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Crop sector starts its sustainability roundtable As with beef, producers will be asked to document their practices, but carrying the system past the grain elevator may be tricky By Alexis Kienlen af staff

he push for sustainability continues — and this time, it’s hit the Canadian crop sector. “End-users are looking to have a certified or verified supply chain that goes to the farm level,” said Kara Barnes, market development co-ordinator with the Alberta Barley Commission and a best practices specialist with the Barley Council of Canada. “Just saying that we’re meeting sustainability criteria or indicators is no longer adequate. Customers want proof.” That’s led to the creation of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, a forum to advance, report and communicate the sustainability of grain production. The roundtable has been in the planning stages since spring, and will gear its efforts towards specific customers, such as retailers, food-service customers, and feed buyers. Each has different interests, said Barnes. Some want farm data that measures “sustainability indicators,” while others are looking for verifiable or certifiable programs which have some

see CROP SECTOR } page 7

A memorable year in the books, and another one on the horizon The past year reminded us — once again — to take nothing for granted, and that change is a constant By Glenn Cheater Alberta Farmer editor

he year ended with the provincial political scene being turned on its head and a debate on how low the price a barrel of oil could fall. Who’d have thunk it — much less predicted it? This edition of Alberta Farmer is taking a look back at some memorable stories from 2014 and some topics that may make headlines in 2015. They are reminders that things change, often quickly and unpredictably. The list of stories is by no means definitive, but isn’t meant to be — every producer in Alberta has their own version of the big story of 2014 and a major issue they need to keep watch on in the year ahead. The two are connected — looking back naturally gets you thinking about what’s coming next. Most cattle producers are wondering if prices really have hit a “new normal” and if they finally can close the door on more than a decade when break-even was about as good as it got. Grain and oilseeds growers heard that new-normal talk a lot until this past year. Now it’s back to the sharpenyour-pencil era. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus was a carry-over from 2013, but it kept hog producers on edge all year long, and ushered in a whole new level of biosecurity. It’s difficult to imagine such a virulent and fast-spreading calamity hitting crop production — but easy to picture clubroot slamming a farm for the first time or something like fusarium causing a wreck on an individual operation. These and many other topics will be on the minds of Alberta producers in the coming year, so we asked some experts to give us their thoughts on the future. Each of the Five to Remember stories has a look-ahead companion piece, and four topics — grain prices, herd expansion, disease outlook, and consumer attitudes — were chosen for the Four to Watch articles. (The series begins on Page 18.) Hopefully, all are food for thought at a time when you’re planning for the year ahead. Soon calving and seeding seasons will arrive, things will pick up speed, and before you know it, 2016 will be dawning. glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com

CEFTIOFUR CONTROVERSY:

antibiotic misuse? } PAGE 15

news » inside this week

inside » PASTURE PRODUCTIVITY Expert offers some key tips to boost forage growth

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

livestock

crops

PEOPLE PROBLEM

BUDGET BLUES

columNists Glenn Cheater Community spirit that can’t be beat

Tessa Nybo Young leaders get a hand up

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY Heartland highlights from the year gone by

Shannon VanRaes Don’t go by instinct when handling cattle

Ag research victim of falling oil prices

The NFU badly needs a makeover

Southern Alberta farm leading the way in green energy Chris and Harold Perry have added anaerobic digesters to thermal and solar power generation on their Chin-area farm By Tony Kryzanowski

hris and Harold Perry take the power of science and sustainable farm practices very seriously. The southern Alberta farmers call it their “2020 vision” — reduce farm inputs such as water, fuel, electricity, and synthetic fertilizer by 20 per cent while increasing net yields by 20 per cent. And they don’t think small. In November, they officially commissioned a $7.1-million anaerobic digester system on their farm near Chin, about 30 kilometres east of Lethbridge. “The Perrys are very progressive farmers,” said Seth Clark, a New Brunswick native who came to work on the farm’s potato operation and is now the production manager of the two digesters. “They really see themselves as stewards of their land. For instance, they were composting manure for quite some time prior to even considering the anaerobic digester — just as a way to reduce the amount of synthetic fertilizers they needed for their land.” The twin digesters will process about 25,000 tonnes of organic waste annually (at least half will be feedlot manure) to produce about 630 kilowatts of green power. Diverting manure from the nearby KCL Cattle Company and Kasko Cattle Company will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the feedlots by more than 10,000 tonnes annually. “Here in southern Alberta, we have a number of feedlots that are manure rich and land poor,” said Clark. “There’s lots of manure out there, and in some cases, there is more manure than the producers can actually apply to their land base.” “I think it’s a win-win for both parties,” added Les Wall, owner of KCL Cattle Company near Coaldale. Wall said he strongly supports the overall concept and is cautiously optimistic the facility, which took about a year and a half to build, will work as advertised. “It makes you feel good to promote some green energy. They are making good use of our manure, and they are generating energy which helps to run their farms while they sell the excess,” he said. “I’m pretty happy to be a partner with them. They are good people, and I am pretty excited to see where it will all grow.” The digester system and power facility that generates electricity from the biogas is owned by a company called GrowTEC, a contraction of ‘Grow the Energy Circle.’

The twin digesters at the Perry farm will produce 630 kilowatts of green power annually while reducing carbon dioxide emissions from area feedlots by more than 10,000 tonnes annually. Photos: Tony Kryzanowsk The name reflects the green energy credentials of the farm, which produces potatoes, sunflowers, green peas, seed canola, and a range of cereals on 4,000 irrigated acres. The operation also generates 105 kilowatts of geothermal power for both cooling and heating of their potato storage operation, and another 20 kilowatts of solar power. The Perrys also make about 7,500 tonnes of compost from raw manure gathered from area feedlots. The manure used in the composting program will not be disrupted by redirecting that manure to the anaerobic digesters. “We wanted to try compost because that is the natural way that things work,” said Harold Perry. “When the buffalo were here, they ate and manured the grass at the same time, and that’s how the natural cycle worked. “Fertilizer prices have also helped because compost makes sense if you strictly go by dollars. The cost of putting the amount of nutrients you put on your soil using compost is less than if you were to purchase that at a fertilizer dealership.”

GrowTEC’s operating licence requires at least half of the raw feedstock for the digester must be feedlot manure, and it’s currently well over that level. It will also use potatoes that didn’t make the grade, which previously were sent to feedlots for animal feed or spread back on the land, which involved a fair amount of trucking and transportation. “Potatoes are a very good feedstock for an anaerobic digester, so it got the Perry family thinking about how they could utilize this waste material and add some value to it,” said Clark. In addition to biogas, the digesters will also produce high-nutrient organic fertilizer in both liquid and solid form. The project would not have been viable without a $3.5-million contribution from the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation, the provincial body that uses money collected from large gas emitters for projects to help the province reach its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Power generated by the GrowTEC bioenergy plant is currently sold on the open market, but the Perry family hopes to one day directly supply power to a nearby industrial user. “With current energy prices and market the way they are for electricity in this province, it is very difficult to justify putting a project like this together, purely on the economics,” said Clark.

More heat than light in neonicotinoid controversy N

eonics have become one of those issues that creates deep divides. Are neonicotinoid pesticides silently poisoning our world, with bees serving as the canaries in a toxic coal mine? Or is the whole thing just the latest cause célèbre promoted by radical environmentalists who have a hate on for “industrial” farming? The already rancorous debate has been further inflamed by Ontario’s decision to reduce acreage planted with neonictreated seeds by 80 per cent by 2017. In the wake of that move, reporter Alexis Kienlen put the issue to two experts — a leading bee scientist and an Alberta beekeeper who has been part of an initiative to use better hive management to reduce bee deaths. Both interviews have been edited and condensed.

Bees and neonics are making headlines, but Alberta beekeeper Lee Townsend says there is more to the story. Photos supplied

Alberta opts for better management to reduce bee deaths

Expert: Neonics are an issue — and also an easy target

What’s Alberta Beekeepers Commission response to Ontario’s move?

Why are neonicotinoids attracting so much attention?

Our stance hasn’t changed. We are still very much in favour of working towards a scientific conclusion or solution to what has happened. In Alberta, we just aren’t seeing the same things as they’re seeing out in Ontario. We were very interested in the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s report that came out the same day as the news about the neonic ban. The PMRA report showed that bee kill incidents in Ontario were down 70 per cent in 2014. Approximately 72 per cent of all the bee deaths are attributed to three farms. The Ontario government also says they’d like to see a reduction in overwintering losses, but they don’t outline how they’d like that to happen.

Are there differences between the Alberta and the Ontario beekeeping industries?

The biggest difference between the two is that Alberta is a commercial industry while Ontario is a hobby industry. That’s not saying one is better than the other. I would like to believe that in Alberta, we’re a little more progressive, a little more in tune with current practices and changes in our industry.

ers in Ontario are beyond livid right now. The Ontario beekeepers are not indicative of the Canadian bee industry.

What has Alberta done to reduce bee losses?

Lee Townsend operates TPLR Honey Farms near Stony Plain, is a past board member of the Canadian Honey Council and the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, and is still active in both organizations. We communicate very well with each other. In Ontario, the industry is spread all over the place and the Ontario Beekeepers Association is very much in a position of power. Some of the commercial beekeepers in Ontario have left the Ontario Beekeepers Association and have formed the Independent Commercial Beekeepers Organization.

Why do Alberta beekeepers feel so strongly about this?

I think everybody’s in agreement that reduced usage of pesticide is a greater good. Better management practices are a benefit. It was the way the government went about this decision. It wasn’t based on science. (Grain and corn) farm-

Four or five years ago, we were having losses of 40 to 50 per cent. The beekeeping practices we had been using had been used for 10 to 15 years, and they weren’t working as well as before. We were slow in realizing that. We were losing bees to varroa mites, nosema, and harsh winters. When you combine all these stresses on the bees, it’s really hard for them. We looked at a number of different strategies to solve our problem. Eventually, Alberta Beekeepers Commission sat down with government, other beekeepers, and the seed companies in southern Alberta, and we developed a hive health program that surveyed the province and educated beekeepers on what they needed to do to monitor disease and pest levels. Over the four years of that program, we saw a huge difference in our wintering losses and the numbers of hives we had. In 2006, we had 225,000 hives in the province. Now we have around 300,000. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

The controversy around neonicotinoids is a global one. There are places where neonicotinoids are associated with bee kills and there are places where they are not. The science around neonics and their effects on bees has some inconsistent elements. There hasn’t been any strong colony-level field tests, for example, that have demonstrated any significant impact on bees. But there are many reasons to think that neonics might be having an impact on bees. Scientifically, it’s not as clear a situation as with other pesticides. The real issue is deeper than neonics — and I think it’s unfortunate that things have been focused on this one pesticide in particular. There are many agricultural chemicals that have similar effects. It’s not the immediate toxicity. It’s the low-level exposure to many compounds that is the root of the problem that bees are having. The chemicals neonics replaced were way worse.

Do neonics actually have negative effects on bees? What are other factors that affect bee health?

They can diminish bees’ orientation ability and bees’ capacity to respond to diseases and pests. They also diminish bees’ ability to detoxify other pesticides, and this has the greatest effect on bees today. The diminishment of the bee’s ability to detoxify is not unique to neonics. Other chemicals, like miticides and antibiotics put into the hives, do the same thing. In most areas, bees are exposed to chemicals that are diminishing their disease resistance and detoxification abilities at the same time that disease

Mark Winston is a professor in the department of biological sciences and senior fellow at Simon Fraser University. He ran a bee research lab for 40 years and is the author of Bee Time: Lessons from the Hive. and pests are becoming much more significant issues in beekeeping. Bees also have less to forage on, and less diversity to forage on. That’s proving to be a significant issue. When bees are not well fed, they are more susceptible to diseases and pest problems.

Why are consumers so concerned about neonics?

It’s easy to hope there’s one cause for a problem. People latch on to one thing because it’s much easier than dealing with a nuanced situation that is at the root of most of the environmental issues we face. In the 1990s, someone got the idea that neonicotinoids were causing problems and that caught on. Neonics are the No. 1 selling product of all insecticides. It’s tempting to look at something that widespread as a cause. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Photo: Thinkstock

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

EDITOR Glenn Cheater Phone: 780-919-2320 Email: glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com twitter: @glenncheater

Reporters Alexis Kienlen, Edmonton 780-668-3121 Email: akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

A warm welcome from a very hospitable community

Jennifer Blair, Red Deer 403-613-7573 Email: jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

PRODUCTION director Shawna Gibson Email: shawna@fbcpublishing.com

The number of producers is declining, but the spirit of the farming community grows stronger and stronger

Director of Sales & Circulation Lynda Tityk Email: lynda.tityk@fbcpublishing.com

CIRCULATION manager Heather Anderson Email: heather@fbcpublishing.com

By Glenn Cheater

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www.albertafarmexpress.ca or email: subscription@fbcpublishing.com At Farm Business Communications we have a firm commitment to protecting your privacy and security as our customer. Farm Business Communications will only collect personal information if it is required for the proper functioning of our business. As part of our commitment to enhance customer service, we may share this personal information with other strategic business partners. For more information regarding our Customer Information Privacy Policy, write to: Information Protection Officer, Farm Business Communications, 1666 Dublin Ave., Wpg., MB R3H 0H1 Occasionally we make our list of subscribers available to other reputable firms whose products and services might be of interest to you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please contact us at the address in the preceding paragraph, or call 1-800-665-0502. The editors and journalists who write, contribute and provide opinions to Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications attempt to provide accurate and useful opinions, information and analysis. However, the editors, journalists and Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications, cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the editors as well as Alberta Farmer Express and Farm Business Communications assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader for this publication based on any and all information provided.

Alberta Farmer editor

was running seriously late and my pal Rick’s email directions for the community supper were “four miles north of Vauxhall — lots of signs.” Judging when you’re four miles from a place you’ve never been before is a little tough, but surely I couldn’t miss all those signs. I did. I spotted one marking the site of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank growing project — but nothing for the fundraising supper or the community hall or church I assumed was hosting the event this past July. It was pushing 7 o’clock by the time I turned around, went back to the growing project sign, and finally spotted all the vehicles parked in front of Jan and Ida Bennen’s potato warehouse a half-mile to the west. “Have you eaten?” I was asked by the first half-dozen people I met. Despite my protests I’d be getting supper later on, people who had been cleaning and packing up immediately began running here and there to fix me up a meal. “So glad you could make it,” was the comment from pretty much everyone else I met that evening. It’s just ordinary country hospitality, Rick said afterwards. Even the Bennens made light of getting their 7,200-square-foot warehouse ready for the 400 or so attend-

ees. They’d had their 25th wedding anniversary in their other warehouse in 2005, they said, and it wasn’t that much work to host a Foodgrains Bank fundraiser once a year in the middle of the growing season. “Did you get enough to eat?” they asked. That pretty much sums up my first year back in Alberta. Since my move here was rather sudden, I was back and forth to Manitoba for much of 2014 and didn’t get out and about as much as I’d like. But it was the same warm reception everywhere. Are you enjoying the province? If I can help in any way, just let me know. Come with me, there’s a couple of people I’d like you to meet. Love the paper; keep up the good work. I live in Edmonton, and the people I’ve met there have been exceptionally welcoming, too. And their sense of community is also strong. It’s just not quite as expansive. Two weeks after dining so well at the Bennens, a group of farmers I “follow” on Twitter had an impromptu little discussion on whether it’s better to side band phosphorus or seed place it. Don’t think you can say a lot in 140 characters? Let eight very engaged farmers go hard at it over the course of a few hours and a lot of ground gets covered. It was an excellent, and sometimes heated, conversation, and it took place on farms spanning the province from the southwest corner to well north of Vermilion — a distance of 900 kilometres. It wasn’t

like a kitchen table debate, of course. But there was a sense of fellowship and respect that’s missing in much of society today, in both the virtual and real world. Whether it’s in Vauxhall, on social media, or at farm events, that sense of community struck me over and over again. And to me, it seems like the spirit of community is growing stronger, even as the number of farmers continues to fall. When you’re down to less than two per cent of the population, perhaps folks realize that community building is something you need to work on even harder. I can’t pay back all the hospitality I’ve received, but hopefully this paper can play its part. Because this is your paper. It even says that on the front page — the font is pretty tiny, but it’s there: Your provincial farm and ranch newspaper. To every producer who appeared on the pages of this paper in 2014: Thank you for sharing your views, insights, and experience. And to all of you, please think of this paper as a community resource. It’s not able to recognize all of the fine efforts of groups like the Vauxhall & District Growing Project, but we could do that more often. And pretty much every story is better when farmers weigh in and put the focus on what really matters. And who knows? We might even be able to settle this side-banding versus seedplacing business.

A year in rhyme and thoughts sublime A journalist looks back on the year just gone by — although his efforts at poetry may make you sigh

As you may know, in each year’s first edition We take stock of the past one, and in line with tradition Using proven techniques such as analyzing innards of turkey Tell you what to expect in the future, so it isn’t so murky

“To use just a few concrete elevators would make much more sense “And instead of branch lines, use roads” (built at public expense) But now the railways have got just what they requested You’d think their performance should be somewhat bested Now they want the revenue cap lifted, but I want to know Why they shipped more cars per week when we still had the Crow

Expecting another crop like 2013’s might be a little unreasonable But it would have been nice if 2014 was a bit more seasonable After a cool and wet spring and conditions generally inferior Things warmed up and by August the farmers seemed cheerier But then the skies opened again and harvest got kind of rough Much of grain ended up coming off damp if not tough

As the crop year began Ritz was still under the railways’ spell And insisting that shipments were really going quite well But after an earful from farmers whose bins were still busting He realized he might take a beating if he was out on the hustings So suddenly Ritz said, “Get a move on,” after acting quite meekly “If not I’ll fine you daily,” he said (but maybe he really meant weekly)

While I’m not so old that I’ve seen a train of Red River oxcarts I do recall when grain had to be shipped out in boxcarts From thousands of old wooden elevators on branch lines located But according to the railways, that was a system outdated

Elevators say that the case when they have no more space is That they discourage deliveries by widening the basis But at this claim some farmers and others will scoff it They say last year’s wide basis was pure company profit

By John Morriss Editorial director

And the CWB annual report could also be evidential But Ritz won’t release it because it’s now confidential (That he wants to unload CWB cheap has a few people upset But I wouldn’t take it for free, I think it’s got too much debt) It’s fine for Gerry to say that we now have marketing freedom But for a free market to work, more details we need ’em Down south the USDA provides all kinds of backing Reporting sales, stocks and prices — all of which we are lacking In the card game of marketing it seems that the case is That farmers just have deuces, but the grain companies have aces But more happily if you’re a seller of bovine-type critters Things are now going much better after a few years quite bitter Perhaps all those tough years post-BSE are the main reason why To retain some more heifers, so far the farmers seem shy But sooner or later I think that I’m right in assuming That the cattle cycle will be at some point resuming

So now’s a good time for cowboys to admit that they’re lacking In comparison to others in things such as quality tracking To stay competitive in future it might be that the tricks is To invest in farm-to-plate systems like the new version of BIXS But I know that too much on the past you don’t want me dwelling You’re anxious to know more of my future foretelling Plant more wheat or canola — what’s my recommendation? Definitely, as long it makes sense for your long-term rotation And to grow some more barley I wouldn’t be halting As long as you’re sure to plant the kind that goes malting Keep heifers or sell ’em — what’s the best way to prepare? (Shhh… hang on to yours, but tell the neighbours to ship theirs) I’ve got much more good advice, but I’m sorry the case Is that I must come to an end, there’s just no more space So once again I’ll close with a message from all of us here For good crops and good prices, and a Happy New Year!

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program is a great way to kick-start your career The application deadline for this year’s program is looming and it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up By Tessa Nybo

he future of the cattle industry in Canada is looking promising for the next generation of cattlemen and women. With more ‘skin in the game’ than ever before, today’s young cattlemen interested in going back to the farm or starting out on their own have a variety of complex tasks ahead of them. Developing leadership skills and industry connections is imperative to long-term career success for those planning a career in the beef industry. There is no better resource to help guide a young person through these challenges than someone who has been there themselves. Moreover, today’s young cattle producers will be expected to replace the current leadership as the baby boomer generation takes a step back. The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program was developed in 2010 as a program aimed at providing industryspecific training and mentorship to youth to assist the beef industry into the future. And it’s working. “The networking opportunities are incredible, and the program is very

personalized,” says Andrew Kopeechuk, a current mentee in the program. “You can spell out exactly what you want from your mentorship and what you get out of it is all about what you put into it.” Kopeechuk is from RSK Farms, a second-generation mixed grain and purebred Hereford operation near Brandon, Man. He was paired with mentor Carson Moneo of Peak Dot Ranches, one of the largest Angus herds in Canada, in the rolling hills of Wood Mountain, Sask. Kopeechuk had clear goals going into his mentorship with hopes of taking his purebred operation to the next level and seeking out international opportunities for marketing RSK Farms genetics. “We were on the road to getting there, but advice from Carson has sped up the process and helped us to open doors. We have successfully marketed embryos into Denmark and Sweden.” The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program is open to beef industry enthusiasts aged 18 to 35 from across Canada. The online application process is simple and semifinalists are chosen from the applications, and then invited to participate in roundtable discussions on pertinent industry topics at the CYL Spring Forum in March. Out of that group, 16 mentees are cho-

sen and paired with industry veterans based on their own personal interests and goals. The mentorships start in May, with the mentees developing a road map of goals with their mentor. They also have a budget of up to $2,000 to participate in industry events. Additional domestic and international travel opportunities are also available throughout the duration of the program. The mentorship officially goes until February, however, many mentors and mentees develop a friendship that continues long after the official program is over. Nor do the opportunities end when you graduate, as graduates of the program are eligible to participate in select CYL events after their official mentorship is completed. Jamie-Rae Pittman, a current CYL mentor praises the connections the program offers participants. “It’s never a matter of knowing it all, but rather being resourceful enough to reach out and tap into your sources to provide the expertise and know-how to satisfy those questions,” says Pittman. Originally from a purebred Angus background, she and her husband now run a cattle and crops operation near Kyle, Sask. and she is also the co-owner of Bella Spur Innovative Media Inc.

“By injecting youth into some of these networks through connections with mentors, we are ensuring them a place in the future.”

Jamie-Rae Pittman

“I think the most valuable aspect to the CYL program is the relationships that are being developed,” says Pittman. “You cannot put a price on a network. By injecting youth into some of these networks through connections with mentors, we are ensuring them a place in the future.” Applications for the CYL program are open until Jan. 21 at www. cattlemensyoungleaders.com. For more information, contact program co-ordinator Jolene Noble at 403-2758558 or noblej@cattle.ca.

NFU is a voice farmers need — if only they would listen After nearly 50 years of fighting for farmers, the National Famers Union voice is showing its age By Shannon VanRaes

he predictable mélange of National Farmers Union members gathered for the organization’s 45th annual meeting in late November, where the big item on the agenda was updating its brand with a new logo and fresh tag line. It was clear that some members believed the dated look and feel of the pan-Canadian group was keeping new, younger members at bay, and yet no one seemed particularly enthusiastic about leading a charge towards the 21st century. President Jan Slomp described himself as “indifferent” to a logo change, while youth president Alex Fletcher said he “wasn’t really passionate about branding work.” In fact, the greatest enthusiasm seemed to come from the members who rushed to the microphones to rail against the idea of change. The common theme was: Don’t fix what’s not broken. The problem is that the National Farmers Union itself is broken. Its membership is declining, fresh blood is scarce, and you don’t have to attend a budget session to know finances are tight — the old margarine container with “coffee donations” scrawled on it was a good tipoff.

The organization’s problems go far beyond a dated logo, although the tired green maple leaf may prove emblematic of its larger issues. The NFU has failed to engage youth or the broader public on social media, its relationship with mainstream media is openly distrustful, and thus far, it has shunned the idea of embracing urban supporters, even though they could provide strength in numbers and much-needed membership dollars. The bottom line is that with rare exceptions, the NFU is no longer meaningfully connecting with Canadians, farmers or otherwise, and its message is going unheard. And that is the real travesty, because the National Farmers Union has a message that Canadians desperately need to hear. Time and time again the union is not only right about the effects of policy change on producers, it is practically clairvoyant. The NFU is thorough in its economic assessments of the realities farmers face, taking into account all facets of both government policy and consumer trends. Its analysis looks at the big picture, and it does it without losing sight of the details. While the priorities of other producer organizations can be clouded by the competing interests of corporate members, the National Farmers Union has remained a pure voice for the interests of farmers on issues such as Bill C-18 (the Agricultural Growth Act), the trade deal with the European Union,

The NFU is thorough in its economic assessments of the realities farmers face, taking into account all facets of both government policy and consumer trends. Its analysis looks at the big picture, and it does it without losing sight of the details.

whether farmers own the assets of the Canadian Wheat Board, grain transportation, and GMO alfalfa to name a few. Yet often the only validation the organization gains is the ability to say, “We told you so.” Slomp said the NFU is unfairly painted as being socialist or communist by those who don’t like the message — governments and corporations alike — in an effort to discredit it.

Undoubtably that’s true. But the National Farmers Union’s worst enemy may be the National Farmers Union. Listening to members speak, the public relations person inside me cringed with each person who compared the prime minister to Adolph Hitler, the government to the Nazis, or who brought up the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Reminiscing about the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (the forerunner of the NDP) or wearing tie-dye might be considered charming, if not dated. But straying into political minefields outside of agriculture is a gift for those who oppose you — as is clinging to the outmoded traditions of union culture. Farmers need to work together to accomplish change and build their livelihoods, but singing Solidarity Forever in 2014 is not understood or embraced by potential members the NFU needs if it is to stay relevant. Clearly the organization wants to protect its history of progressive thought and honour its roots, but the best way to do that isn’t by clinging to old symbols and songs. It’s by being progressive and embracing changes that keep it strong. Shannon VanRaes is a reporter for Alberta Farmer’s sister paper, the Manitoba Co-operator.

January 5, 2015 • Albertafarmexpress.ca

CSI forensics used to nab poachers Suspected poachers usually have a good story worked out, ‘but once the DNA is matched you’re toast’ By Meghan Mast staff

DNA from one of the two deer heads found in a poacher’s garage matched with the DNA from the kill site. Photo: Laury Brouzes

y the time provincial conservation officer Laury Brouzes found the onceproud buck, all that remained was scattered fur, a pink skeleton, and a furry hoofed foot. Coyotes had licked its vertebrae clean. The day before, someone had tipped authorities off, naming an individual who had shot a deer and only taken the head. It is an offence under the provincial wildlife act to waste any edible portion of a big-game animal, so Brouzes got to work questioning neighbours and gathering statements. His sleuthing led him to a farmer’s field near St. Amelie, Man. where he tracked the prints to a cluster of bushes where the buck had fallen. Not much was left but the leg was enough DNA

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material to send to the forensic lab. He got an axe from his truck and salvaged the bottom eight inches of the limb. “All you need is a small piece of tied meat and the hair,” he said. “Usually they want a piece of two square inches, but you always take more than what you need.” Conservation officers have used forensic evidence to track poachers for nearly 15 years now. Back in the 1980s, prior to the advent of DNA-analysis, officers used blood analysis to determine the type of meat from a chunk of tissue. They would partner these findings with other evidence, like firearm forensics, to make a case. “On our better cases and in good investigations we’ll have a number of methods you might see on programs like CSI,” said Jack Harrigan, head of enforcement. “It’s not quite the same though,” he laughs. “It takes longer than an hour to solve.

Literally it’s like connecting the dots. Establishing reasonable grounds to lay charges against the offender.” Though conservation officers act as enforcers, and have since the 1940s, their role has only just recently clarified. The Manitoba government recently introduced legislation that will formally recognize conservation officers as law enforcement officers. “The announcement won’t give us new responsibilities as much as it will confirm our existing roles,” said Harrigan. “What it does is strengthen our authority to conduct enforcement.” Conservation officers in the province have carried firearms since 1998 and enforce all laws related to wildlife and the environment — including wildfires and poaching.

Caught deer headed

Less than a month after collecting the samples, eight officers entered a property owned by the 23-year-old suspected poacher. Some patrolled access routes so no one could enter or exit and another stayed with the suspect. The others searched each building for the missing deer head. An officer with a video camera panned each space before and after entering a room, to ensure there would be no complaints about property damaged during the search. They found what they were looking for amongst the outbuildings. In a garage, between piles of tires, they found two deer heads with tags on them. The eyes, still open, looked fresh. “You can tell how old and how long ago the deer had been shot by the eyes because the eyes begin to shrink and sink into the head,” said Brouzes. He guessed these had been killed around the time of the crime. A seizing officer took the frozen deer heads and tagged them for the evidence locker. DNA from one of the heads matched the torso of the found deer. On July 8, the 23-year-old poacher was fined $1,297 for unlawful possession of an illegally taken deer and $673.65 for wasting the edible portion of a deer. He was banned from hunting for two years. The other head was returned to him because it had been killed during hunting season and could have been obtained legally. “Of course the guy lied his face off,” said Brouzes, “but once the DNA is matched you’re toast.” DNA analysis was also used in an investigation involving allegations a hunter had illegally shot a whitetail deer and then entered the buck in two hunting contests. The buck won both contests, but information emerged the deer had actually been shot from a vehicle on a road within a provincial park. Officers were able to find the original kill site and collected photographs and samples of deer hair that were sent for DNA analysis. Those samples were compared to the hide which was located at a local taxidermist and the hunter was charged with possessing illegally taken wildlife, hunting big game in a prohibited area, and discharging a loaded firearm from a vehicle. The accused was found guilty and fined a total of $3,418.25 for the offences. meghan.mast@fbcpublishing.com

Albertafarmexpress.ca • January, 2015

CROP SECTOR } from page 1 sort of mechanism for taking corrective action if the indicators aren’t met. At present, the grain industry hasn’t decided on one way to prove sustainability. “We came together in the roundtable to answer that question,” said Barnes. “It depends on what grain market you’re going into. There are grain markets, feed markets, and bioindustrial uses, and they will all have different demands from the endusers.” The roundtable is looking at different sustainability principles and criteria to develop indicators, and is basing its approach on the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, which was started a year and a half ago, said Jason Lenz, the newly appointed vice-chair of the Alberta Barley Commission. “Part of what it is about is defining what sustainability is going to mean to the crop sector,” said the Bentley-area producer. “From my perspective, sustainability isn’t new to farmers. Farmers have been sustainable for a few generations... If you’re not sustainable in what you’re

doing, whether it’s farming or any other business, you’re not going to be profitable and your business isn’t going to last very long.” But tracking sustainability will likely mean a new way of recordkeeping on the farm, said Lenz, adding he hopes it will be similar to documenting environmental farm plans, which involves an audit every few years. “I hope it becomes more of a self-assessment for the individual farmer, with a list of indicators or common practices used in the crop industry, so people can make sure what they’re doing is sustainable,” he said. There is one big difference between grain and livestock — you can’t put an ear tag on grain kernels, and Lenz, who also raises cattle and hogs, isn’t sure how traceability will continue once his crops hit the elevator. There are a number of templates being developed to prove crop sustainability and six of these templates were presented at meetings in November, said Allison Ammeter, vice-president of the Alberta Pulse Growers and its rep on the Grain Growers of Canada. Pulse Canada has spent several

years working with the “Canadian Field Print initiative,” a Canadian sister to the model used by several large American companies such as General Mills. The Canola Council of Canada has examined the “Carbon Lookup,” while the Barley Council presented on the Feed Barley Pilot Project. It’s possible that producers will need to record basic information such as fuel and water use on a year-to-year basis. The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops has a mandate, mission and vision, but not much more is known about the organization. Three key people who are chairing or steering the organization did not return calls for interviews. The initial meeting in spring attracted about 60 attendees from almost every province, including federal agriculture officials and reps from companies such as Cargill, BASF, and Syngenta; millers; food retailers such as McCain Foods and Weston Foods; and the Canadian Grains Council. Among the producer groups were the Grain Growers of Canada, the Alberta Wheat Commission, and the Alberta Barley Commission.

The newly formed Canadian Roundtable on Sustainable Crops is currently looking for ways to define sustainability in the crop sector, says Kara Barnes of Alberta Barley.

Sustainability in the crop industry will likely mean a new way of record-keeping, says Alberta Barley vice-chair Jason Lenz. Membership will be open to grower associations, value chain members, grain handlers and processors, food manufacturers, and non-governmental organizations. Members of the groups have already developed working

committees, and terms of reference. Each working committee is in the process of developing work plans. The next meeting will likely be held in March. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Farmers wanted to test sustainability platforms By Alexis Kienlen af staff

lberta’s crops industry has developed its own sustainability project: The Alberta Crops Sustainability Initiative. The brainchild of Alberta Pulse Growers and the provincial wheat, barley, and canola commissions, the plan is to encourage farmers to test some of the sustainability platforms created in Canada and overseas to see how they work on Alberta farms. “It’s partly an assessment of how farmers stack up against international sustainable agriculture guidelines, and to identify gaps where we could be better in some areas,” said Kara Barnes, market development co-ordinator with Alberta Barley. The group will look at a number of different sustainability platforms, including the Sustainable Agricultural Initiative Self-Assessment 2, the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS), and the Unilever Sustainable Agriculture Code. The project is voluntary and will include about 30 farmers from across the province. When participating farmers are audited, they will also be supplying information for the Canadian Field Print Calculator. Auditors will be on a farm for half a day, and will provide each farmer with a detailed report showing how he or she met (or failed to meet) the criteria for the sustainability platform. The four commissions will report the data and their observations to the roundtable. The project is still looking for interested farmers. For more information, contact one of the four participating crop organizations. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

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U.S. researchers develop CWD vaccine May hold promise for protecting humans and animals against other prion diseases Langone Medical Center release

esearchers at NYU Langone Medical Center and elsewhere say that a vaccination they have developed to fight a brain-based, wasting syndrome among deer and other animals may hold promise on two additional fronts: Protecting U.S. livestock from contracting the disease, and preventing similar brain infections in humans. The study, to be published in Vaccine online Dec. 21, documents a scientific milestone: the first successful vaccination of deer against chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal brain disorder caused by unusual infectious proteins known as prions. Prions propagate by converting

otherwise healthy proteins into a disease state. Equally important, the researchers say, this study may hold promise against human diseases suspected to be caused by prion infections, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, kuru, familial insomnia, and variably protease-sensitive prionopathy. Some studies also have associated prion-like infections with Alzheimer’s disease. “Now that we have found that preventing prion infection is possible in animals, it’s likely feasible in humans as well,” says senior study investigator and neurologist Thomas Wisniewski, MD, a professor at NYU Langone. CWD afflicts as much as 100 per cent of North America’s captive deer population, as well as large numbers of other cervids

“Now that we have found that preventing prion infection is possible in animals, it’s likely feasible in humans as well.” Thomas Wisniewski NYU LAngone

that populate the plains and forests of the Northern Hemisphere, including wild deer, elk, caribou and moose. There is growing concern among sci-

entists that CWD could possibly spread to livestock in the same regions, especially cattle, a major life stream for the U.S. economy, in much the same manner that bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, another prion-based infection, spread through the United Kingdom almost two decades ago. According to Dr. Wisniewski and his research team, if further vaccine experiments prove successful, a relatively small number of animals (as few as 10 per cent) could be inoculated to induce herd immunity, in which disease transmission is essentially stopped in a much larger group. For the study, five deer were given the vaccine; another six were given a placebo. All of the deer were exposed to prion-

infected brain tissue; they also were housed together, engaging in group activities similar to those in the wild. Scientists say this kept them in constant exposure to the infectious prions. The animals receiving the vaccine were given eight boosters over 11 months until key immune antibodies were detectable in blood, saliva, and feces. The deer also were monitored daily for signs of illness, and investigators performed biopsies of the animals’ tonsils and gut tissue every three months to search for signs of CWD infection. Within two years, all of the deer given the placebo developed CWD. Four deer given the real vaccine took significantly

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Albertafarmexpress.ca • January 5, 2015

New faces on Young Cattlemen’s Council

CWD vaccine } from page 8 longer to develop infection — and the fifth one continues to remain infection free. Wisniewski and his team made the vaccine using salmonella bacteria, which easily enters the gut, to mirror the most common mode of natural infection — ingestion of prion-contaminated food or feces. To prepare the vaccine, the team inserted a prion-like protein into the genome of an attenuated, or no longer dangerous, Salmonella bacterium. This engineered the salmonella to induce an immune response in the gut, producing anti-prion antibodies. “Although our anti-prion vaccine experiments have so far been successful on mice and deer, we predict that the method and concept could become a widespread technique for not only preventing, but potentially treating many prion diseases,” says lead study investigator Fernando Goni, PhD, an associate professor at NYU Langone.

Albertans Laura Bodell, Rae-Leigh Pederzolli, and Jake Meyer join council, which provides leadership and learning opportunities for young producers

A vaccination developed to fight a brain-based, wasting syndrome among deer and other animals holds promise for both livestock and people. Photo: Thinkstock

lbertans Laura Bodell and Rae-Leigh Pederzolli have been elected as members at large on the Young Cattlemen’s Council. They join another Albertan, Jake Meyer, who is president of the council. The organization was formed last year to provide leadership and learning opportunities for young producers aged 18 to 35. Council members sit on Canadian Cattlemen’s Association committees in an ex officio capacity, providing a youthful perspective on agenda topics. The council also works with CCA directors and staff on upcoming projects and initiatives. Goals for 2015 include increasing

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membership and engagement as well as establishing an annual event. Its mission also includes raising knowledge and awareness of beef industry policy development amongst youth in the industry. As part of their recent annual general meeting in Edmonton, council members visited the headquarters of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Association, and toured Cargill’s beef patty-processing facility in Spruce Grove. Young cattle producers can join the council by completing a membership application available at www.youngcattlemenscouncil. com. — CCA release

NEWS » Markets

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JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Help for farm-direct marketers

Avoid a cash crunch

A pair of new booklets — one on regulations and one on labels — can help farm-direct marketers better understand the regulations around their businesses. The regulations booklet looks at both federal and provincial legislation and how acts and regulation can affect direct marketers. The food labels booklet looks at basic labelling requirements, including sections on date markings, bilingual labelling and allergens. For a link to both booklets, go to www.agriculture.alberta.ca and type ‘food labels booklet’ or call 1-800-292-5697.— AARD release

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has an online cash flow analyzer. The analyzer is a spreadsheet that allocates an operation’s cash requirements throughout the year, allowing the user to create a cash flow budget, and identify those months with the largest draws. It can also be used to calculate demands on operating loan and the resulting cash balance; identify what size of operating loan will be required for the upcoming year; and highlight other factors that impact cash flow during the year. For more info, go to www.agriculture.alberta.ca and type ‘cash flow analyzer’ in the search box. — AARD release

A review of 2014, and factors at play for 2015 WILD CARD } Currency, oil and uncertainty in Russia

among market forces at the beginning of 2015

By Phil Franz-Warkentin Commodity News Service Canada

rain and oilseed futures markets saw some wide price swings over the past year, but, at least for canola and spring wheat, they exited 2014 at levels not that far off from where they started. Nearby canola futures were trading at around $430 to $440 per tonne back in late December 2013, which is right in line with levels a year later of just over $440. In the months in between, the nearby futures traded within a $100 range, topping $500 back in the summer, and edging below $400 at harvest time. The Minneapolis spring wheat chart had a similar pattern through 2014, with the front month futures nearing US$8.00 per bushel in May, dropping below $5.30 in the fall, and closing out the year right in the middle of that range at around $6.50 per bushel. Where 2015 will take the markets remains to be seen. However, as history has a habit of repeating itself, here are a few of the top market-moving factors of the past year, in no particular order, that could come to play again in 2015. • Supply/demand — Canada grew record-large crops in 2013-14. According to Economics 101, the bigger the supply, the lower the price. However, the demand side of that equation was also solid during the calendar year, with Canadian exports and domestic usage running at some of their best levels ever. Canadian grain supplies were considerably tighter at the end than at the beginning of 2014 and demand remains solid, but the U.S. had record soybean and corn crops which will overhang the North American markets. • Transportation — Canada may have had large crops, but the early months of 2014 were fraught with logistics issues moving those commodities out to export positions at the coast. Most of the blame was placed on the railways, and government legislation was eventually introduced to help improve the flow of grain. Opinions remain somewhat divided on the benefit of the legislation, but transportation issues should remain at the forefront of the conversation in 2015 as the government and industry groups work on creating more permanent solutions. • Weather — A bitterly cold winter in 2014 took some of the blame for the rail problems, and winter weather will continue to be watched in 2015. Over the growing season, excess moisture caused problems in many areas, while adverse conditions at harvest time also took a toll on some crops. Farther abroad, drought conditions in the U.S. Southern U Plains were supportive for wheat earlier in the year, but moisture levels have shown some improvement as the 2015 winter wheat crop goes through dormancy.

Photo: Thinkstock Weather in other grain-growing regions of the world, including Europe, the Black Sea region, Australia, and South America will also be watched closely. • Quality — Canada’s weather problems at harvest time cut into the quality of the country’s wheat crop, with top-end grain harder to find this year. Those quality issues come to play in basis levels and protein spreads more than the futures, which can make for some complicated calculations. Premiums and discounts will be the order for the day in the cash markets for the foreseeable future.

• Crude oil — Energy prices took a dive in the last few months of 2014, which has a mixed impact on the ag markets. On the one hand, cheaper oil means cheaper inputs. However, losses in oil also speak to larger economic issues, which are bearish for prices in general. • Currency — As far as Canada is concerned, the drop in oil has also weighed on the Canadian currency. A weaker currency is a supportive factor for Canadian grain and oilseed prices relative to the U.S. Other parts of the world, especially Russia, have also seen their currency weaken over the past year. While weaker curren-

For three-times-daily market reports from Resource News International, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” at www.albertafarmexpress.ca.

cies can encourage exports, there is also an argument to be made that the resulting economic uncertainty will cause farmers to hold off on grain sales, as agricultural commodities are seen as a bit of a “safe haven.” • Russia/Ukraine — That “safe-haven” sentiment will be important to watch for in Russia, as the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has already been behind some volatility in the grain markets over the past year. “Will they or won’t they” speculation on exports from Russia and Ukraine remained at the forefront of the grain markets heading into 2015, with ideas circulating that Russia will put in measures to slow exports in an effort to prop up domestic supplies. • Other — Some of the other marketmoving factors that came to play over the past year, and will continue to do so in 2015 include: South American soybean and corn production; U.S. soybeans and corn; Chinese demand; technicals; the spring “fight for acres”; the CWB’s move towards privatization; and speculative money flows — to name only a few. Phil Franz-Warkentin writes for Commodity News Service Canada, a Winnipeg-based market-reporting service.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

Argentine farmers vow to step up protests Banks try to pressure farmers to sell more of their stocks of soybeans By Maximiliano Rizzi Buenos Aires / Reuters

rgentine farmers will increase protests ahead of presidential elections in October 2015 to push candidates toward reforming policies that growers say are killing their profits, said Omar Principe, the new head of one of the country’s main farm groups. Demonstrations in the past have stopped Argentine farm exports for months, straining government revenue and putting upward pressure on world food prices. Two of the three presumed main candidates have promised to lower the 35 per cent export tax that the government

slaps on soybeans and loosen the strict protests six years ago over her tax policorn and wheat export quota system that cies. The 2008 farm rebellion reduced growers say complicate crop planning. exports for months and cut into govPrincipe, named head of the Argentina ernment revenue. Relations between Agrarian Federation earlier this month, the two-term leader and the key grains said growers will increase the pressure sector have been severely strained on candidates as October nears. ever since. “The candidates are going to present Banned from running for a third contheir platforms and we are going to have secutive term and with a year left in to have an impact if we want to change office, Fernandez has shown no sign of the policy model,” he told Reuters in an loosening the policies that farmers say interview. weigh on production and investment. “Next year will be one of massive mobiBuenos Aires Governor and presidenlization. We are going to put the issues tial hopeful Daniel Scioli, from Fernanthat are facing small and medium-sized dez’s branch of the Peronist party, has farmers in front of the candidates,” he not yet staked out a position on farm added. policy. The government of President Cristina But leading opposition figures MauriFernandez was shaken by massive farm cio Macri, mayor of Buenos Aires, and T:10.25”

Congressman Sergio Massa say it is time to start cutting export taxes and loosening export quotas. Meanwhile, tensions between the government and the farm sector are increasing. Argentina’s state bank has moved to bolster the country’s foreign exchange reserves by cutting credit to soy farmers who are holding on to an estimated eight million tonnes of last year’s beans as a hedge against one of the world’s highest inflation rates. The bank hopes to force farmers to sell soybeans in order to finance their operations, thereby boosting the supply of beans available for export and enabling the government to collect more export tax revenue.

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news » livestock

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

New forage resources available

A better way to test

Foragebeef.ca has added new fact sheets and a research paper. The fact sheets are: Oats, Triticale and Corn Winter Grazing Comparison — an update on winter grazing; Triticale Swath Grazing Demonstration Project; and a financial analysis entitled Will a hay shed pay? by Alberta Agriculture economist Dale Kaliel. Also available is a paper titled: Effect of American Bison (Bison bison L.) on the recovery and germinability of seeds of range forage species. For more information, see www.foragebeef.ca or contact Ken Ziegler at 403-845-8204. — AARD release

Work is underway to create a new multi-pathogen test for respiratory and enteric diseases, the most common and costly diseases in beef cattle. Both involve several viruses and bacteria, but current tests only target a single pathogen at a time. Checkoff dollars and funding from the beef science cluster are being used to develop two automated assays for simultaneous detection of pathogens relevant to both respiratory and enteric diseases. This will significantly reduce cost, labour, and time for testing, and enhance biosecurity. — Beef Cattle Research Council release

Give up the chase — things you need to know about livestock handling Cattle are quick learners — so earn their trust by not adding to their fears, says handling expert Dylan Biggs By Alexis Kienlen af staff / edmonton

ant to handle cattle more effectively? Then curb your instincts. “A lot of what we struggle with when it comes to working livestock is just human nature,” Hanna rancher and handling expert Dylan Biggs told attendees at the recent Western Canadian Grazing Conference. Livestock are prey animals and humans are predators. So we follow our instinct to chase stock that has veered or run off instead of holding tight and waiting for the stock to return on their own, said Biggs, who has been teaching his handling methods for two decades. Ditto when an animal gets near a gate — humans push harder to get them through instead of allowing them to go at their own pace. “Movement is something that humans start, but if you get good movement, it goes on its own and then humans can just go along with it,” said Biggs. In general, humans should focus their movement perpendicular to the movement of travel. If a rancher wants their cattle to move forward, he or she can push behind gently by moving back and forth perpendicular to the cow or group of cattle. Cattle, like humans, need to be taught things. It’s absurd to approach a group of calves or yearlings and expect the animals to know what to do, he said. That’s why it’s important that ranchers should first get cattle used to being around them and build a degree of trust. Cattle need to know that they won’t be chased or forced to move, and if they turn and walk, the rancher will walk with them and remain calm, said Biggs, adding training is a process, not an event. “When you’re around your cattle — every time you’re around them — you need to teach them to be more responsive, more at ease and more comfortable,” he said. Rough handling just increases their fear and makes things more difficult. “You might spend more time getting an animal through a gate

Most of the problems people have when handling livestock are due to human nature, says livestock-handling expert Dylan Biggs. if you go calmly and quietly, but it will probably be easier next time,” said Biggs. When training yearlings, a stockperson should be prepared to let them run off and then come back. After five or six times of running off, the animals will be calmer, and won’t run away as fast or as far. Then the stockperson can get to the side of the group and walk with them. When stock is manageable, a rancher can stop and start them, and can get them to turn right or left, slow or stop. People who are dealing with animals they haven’t handled from birth have more of a challenge, and need to be more

“A lot of what we struggle with when it comes to working livestock is just human nature.” Dylan Biggs

accommodating, he said. Some groups of cattle, and some breeds are harder to handle than others.

Biggs classifies unmanageable stock as cattle that are too wild, or so tame that they have no flight zone and won’t move when pressured. Chasing animals is one of the worst things a rancher can do. “Most cattle suffer from too much fear, and we reinforce that when we chase. They’re prey and we’re behaving like predators,” he said. One of the best positions for ranchers trying to move cattle is to stay out to the side and apply lateral pressure. When trying to get an animal to turn, the rancher can apply pressure to the side of the head rather than the shoulder. This will result in a nice, soft,

Photo: Alexis Kienlen

controlled turn, not a panicked one. Ranchers also need to think defensively and watch the cues of the animals. It’s against human nature, but it doesn’t make sense to speed an animal up and then demand that they stop. Animals will signal their desire to move or turn by moving their ears before their feet. When an animal wants to turn to the right, it will cock its ear and look to the right before its feet move, said Biggs. If the rancher moves to the right, when the ear cocks, the animal will often see that and straighten itself out. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

Expert says plan your pastures and save yourself some headaches Heavy seeding and a weed control strategy geared to specific pasture conditions are key for grazing consultant and rancher Graeme Finn By Alexis Kienlen af staff / edmonton

ou can’t just let your cows loose on a piece of grass without proper planning and knowledge. “When I take over land, I assess it and see where we need to go,” grazing consultant Graeme Finn said at the recent Western Canada Grazing Conference. “If we have weed issues, then we control them with chemicals or grazing. Or start from scratch with a new forage stand.” The Crossfield rancher direct seeds all his pasture, beginning either with a burn-off or direct seeding without weed control if he has some knowledge of the pasture. The best time for weed control is in the fall when the plant is ready to go dormant, because more weeds will die in the fall than in the spring, he said. Finn also recommends seeding at a depth of half an inch, unless the pasture is broad-leaf annuals. Finn favours a heavy seeding rate — if the recommended rate is 10 pounds an acre, he’ll up that by another five pounds. “When you’re direct seeding into soil, 15 pounds an acre is great. If you’re floating it on, go another three pounds heavier.” Underseeding is one of the worst things that can be done to a pasture, since they are generally in use for about 15 years, he said. “It’s going to cost you between $60 and $65 an acre, so you might as well seed it right,” he said. “That way you’ll be ahead in 10 years time, and you won’t have to worry about weeds coming back in.” Finn leaves some shelterbelts on his land because they catch moisture and offer some wind protection, which are major benefits in drier years. He doesn’t graze cattle in the first year in order to foster strong plant growth and root development. “If you have a great summer and not a lot of burden on the young seedlings, then you can use it for stockpile grazing in the winter,” he said. In the second year, the pasture is put into normal grazing rotation. “It’s so simple to cut a quarter of land into four chunks,” said Finn. “If you have good management practices and rotational

“It’s going to cost you between $60 and $65 an acre so you might as well seed it right. That way you’ll be ahead in 10 years time and you won’t have to worry about weeds coming back in.”

Graeme Finn

grazing, your pastures will get stronger and healthier and will last longer.” Cattle do well on low-fibre, high-protein forage, and will gain better when grazing lessmature plants, he added. “One of the things we see is that people get complacent with their grazing,” he said. “Summer comes around, people get lazy, and they go on holidays and don’t shift the animals enough.” Finn grazes legumes and uses an alfalfa, sainfoin and vetch blend, which is available from most seed companies. Legumes can be planted into sparse grass, while sainfoin and vetch offer a buffer against the possibility of bloating from alfalfa. Every year, Finn chooses a couple

of legume-based paddocks to graze once with the yearlings. Then his older herd of cows comes in and feeds on them later in the year, distributing pods and seeds. “Sainfoin and vetch are the easiest things to distribute — we’ve got legumes appearing in places that we haven’t even distributed them.” However, cows can get weeping eyes from the seeds, which can eventually turn into pink eye. Using legumes in the pasture improves soil fertility, while having multiple species in the pasture helps spread out the insect burden, he said. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

A few simple practices can greatly improve pasture productivity, says Graeme Finn. Photo: Alexis Kienlen

2015 Conference Sessions Feed – Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Production Pre-Confernce Workshop | Full Day | Various Presenters 20/20 Foresight: Next Decade & Beyond for the Global Meat Industry Bob Treadway Wednesday, February 18th 8:00 am Registration 9:30 am Pre-Conference Workshop 6:00 pm Tradeshow Dinner & Welcome Reception | Sponsored by Alltech & John Deere Thursday, February 19th 8:15 am Keynote Address 8:30 am 20/20 Foresight: Next Decade & Beyond for the Global Meat Industry 9:30 am Canadian Beef Advisors 10:30 am Coffee 11:00 am Make it Canadian 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm Innovation at its Best: Using Genomic Testing in Commercial Ranch Selection 2:00 pm Coffee 2:30 pm Lessons Learned & Opportunities for Growth 3:30 pm If I Can 6:30 pm Taste of Alberta Banquet Friday, February 20th 9:00 am Through the Eyes of Our Consumers 10:00 am Coffee 10:30 am McDonald’s & Sustainable Beef: Perspectives and Approaches 11:30 am Cattle Markets and Steaks Need Context

Canadian Beef Advisors - Looking Ahead Panel Discussion David Bolduc, President, Canadian Beef Breeds Council Jack Hextall, Chair, Canada Beef Inc Tim Oleksyn, Chair, Canadian Beef Research Council Dave Solverson, Chair, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Jeff Warrack, Chair, National Cattle Feeders’ Association Moderator – Bryan Walton, General Manager, NCFA Make it Canadian Rob Meijer, President Canada Beef Inc Daisuke Shimojima (Shimo), Director - Business Development, Asia Jorge Mendez-Manzanilla, Director, Business Development, Latin America Innovation at its Best - Using Genomic Tests in Commercial Ranch Selection John Genho, Eldon Farms/Livestock Genetic Services Lessons Learned & Opportunities for Growth – Alberta Pork Ben Woolley, Sunterra Ltd If I Can... Chris Koch Through The Eyes Of Our Consumers Ira Blumenthal McDonald’s and Sustainable Beef: Perspectives and Approaches Jeffrey Fitzpatrick-Stilwell, Senior Manager, Sustainability Michele Banik-Rake, Director of Sustainability - Worldwide Supply Chain Cattle Markets and Steaks Need Context Bruce Cobb, Consolidated Beef Producers

For a complete listing of session descriptions, please visit us online at:

www.abiconference.ca

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Equipment for the calving barn beEf 911 } When calving season hits, there is no time to go shopping —

so here’s a checklist of what you need

By roy lewis, dvm

s with any work area on the farm, having the proper equipment, keeping it maintained and disinfected, and stocking the area with the right pharmaceuticals will help ensure a successful calving season. The one critical component is with biosecurity. With many cows and their mothers moving through the calving area at a stressful time, it is important to have an area which can be cleaned easily and sprayed periodically with Virkon disinfectant. I like to have a boot dip close by — for use when both going into and out of the calving area. This is especially critical when treating sick calves before assisting in the delivery of a calf. You do not want to be the one who transmits disease on your premises. Change

coveralls frequently and have a supply of towels or rags to keep yourself dry and clean. Equipment should consist of a functioning calf puller. There are many good models on the market, all of which function well. Make sure they only require one person to operate. You want to be close to the back end of the cow where you can constantly check tension and placement of the chains, and yet still be able to operate the puller. Some of the fancier ones would pull one leg then the other in a stepby-step motion. My only problem here is that if the calf is that tight and will take that type of motion to extract it, the pull may be excessive. You will need at least two pulling handles and two chains and some even like a head snare. The handles should be large enough to get your hands in comfortably and grip the links of the chains

without slipping. Always keep spares as handles and chains can easily get lost in the straw. They are cheap and when needed they are critical to have around. Always clean and disinfect and hang to dry. Chains also fatigue and rust, so replace every couple of years. Other supplies include a package of good-quality obstetrical gloves, and a waterproof calving suit which can easily be hosed down. Obstetrical gloves come in many strengths and colours. For calving, you need the stronger, more expensive ones, which take a lot of abuse before ripping. The real thin ones are used for artificial insemination where fine feel is critical and they will rip too easily during calvings. Have elastics, hemostats or towel clamps to keep them up on your arms. Surgical soap which is nonirritating to the vulval area (and

your skin as well) is a must. I prefer “Endure” and with that a good source of warm clean water. Although the iodine soap products are good as far as killing bacteria I find they have a tendency to dry out your skin on repeated usage. Lots and lots of sterile lubricant purchased by the gallon complete with a hand pump will minimize the friction on many a tough calving and can make the difference between saving a calf and losing it especially when it relieves pressure around the head. As far as medications are concerned, your tags (management and RFID tags) and shots for the calf including vitamin A and D plus selenium must be on hand. Have enough for the entire calving season. In some herds, metaphylactic antibiotics are used to prevent navel infections. Again, have a season’s supply.

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If the cow is caught, before releasing her always check to make sure she is fully tagged and has no other health issues which need attending while in the maternity pen. Strip her teats out to make sure none are blocked and look for evidence of mastitis. Some producers tube feed the calf if it has been a hard delivery. All farmers by now should have either a commercially made maternity pen, calving chute, or a hand-constructed calving restraint device. A squeeze chute is definitely not the place to pull a calf and this is where wrecks can easily happen if cows squat during the calving process. Other critical drugs may be a respiratory stimulant which is a prescription drug from your veterinarian. One cc of a respiratory stimulant given in the vein or squirted under the tongue can greatly facilitate breathing. Again, you need to talk to your veterinarian on how to give it and if it is even available. Epinephrine (adrenalin) can also be given as a last-ditch effort to get the heart going. Because speed is of the essence, these last two products need to be close at hand with syringe and needle ready. Some producers even have oxygen delivery apparatuses which can facilitate breathing. A calf esophageal feeder is also an absolute necessity and I like producers having one to use for colostrum on newborn calves, with the old one from last year kept for sick or scouring calves. Label each one accordingly and disinfect them (including the feeder tube). Keep the calving area and especially the maternity pen as clean as possible and disinfect the puller and calving chains with something like Virkon disinfectant. Use other strict biosecurity practices, such as not allowing visitors during calving season or, at the minimum, have them wear plastic disposable booties (which you will provide). Calving season is when you need a biosecurity crackdown. With calving cows around, always have a hazing prop such as a paddle, rattle or hockey stick around. We all know even very quiet cows at or before calving may become overdefensive so make sure the route to get cows into the calving area is planned with cross gates where needed and escape routes. If using a sled to bring in calves, have a long lead rope to keep you away from the cow. Many farmers have sleds or wagons built to pull behind a quad, gator or horse or simply by hand. Again, I can’t stress enough — watch for your safety as calving time is where the majority of farm injuries with regards to livestock occur. Be prepared with as much equipment and supplies because when calving season hits, there is no time to go shopping. Let’s not forget the rechargeable flashlight. Many have high candle power and some even get the mining-type lights to wear on their head. Have a great 2015 calving season as the calves you save have never been more valuable. Roy Lewis is a large-animal veterinarian practising at the Westlock, Alberta Veterinary Centre. His main interests are bovine reproduction and herd health.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

Records show powerful antibiotic for cattle often misused by farmers Ceftiofur accounted for one-fourth of USDA drug-residue violation reports in 2013 By Michael Erman and Brian Grow Reuters

t is one of the most potent antibiotics used by U.S. cattle and dairy farmers. But the strength of ceftiofur and the frequency with which it’s being misused has created a threat to human health that may overshadow the drug’s effectiveness, a Reuters examination shows. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautioned in 2012 that ceftiofur could pose a “high public health risk,” in part because the drug belongs to a class of antibiotics considered critically important in human medicine. The warning is the FDA’s strongest kind. The concern is that ceftiofur in animals could spawn antibioticresistant bacteria. A Reuters analysis of government data indicates that the risks to human health may be more significant than previously known. Records kept by the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 2013 show that traces of ceftiofur were found at illegal levels in slaughtered animals more frequently than with any other drug. In 2013, ceftiofur alone accounted for one-fourth of all residue violations logged by the USDA. The residues are not themselves considered dangerous but the traces serve as a warning sign that the drug was used shortly before the animal was killed, thus increasing the chances that the meat contains superbugs, said Guy Loneragan, a veterinary epidemiologist at Texas Tech University. Studies show that ceftiofur, more than most other drugs, can sharply increase the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in an animal. “It kills off weaker bugs and allows stronger ones to survive and multiply,” Loneragan said. The effect is especially pronounced soon after the drug has been used, studies show. Zoetis says ceftiofur is safe to use as directed. “The use of ceftiofur continues to be appropriate when used according to the label directions in those animals that are in at-risk situations,” said Scott Brown, vice-president of global therapeutics research at Zoetis. The stakes are especially high because the drug is part of a crucial class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. The class includes ceftriaxone, a drug that’s vital to treating pneumonia, meningitis and salmonella infections in children, according to the FDA. The use of one type of cephalosporin can compromise the effectiveness of others in the same class.

Economic incentives

Despite the perils, there are economic incentives to misuse ceftiofur. The potent drug can keep a sick cow alive long enough for a dairy farmer to sell the animal to a slaughterhouse. Hugh Byron ran a dairy farm in Hillsboro, Kentucky, until 2011 and kept cattle until this year. He says he frequently used ceftiofur to treat common infections in his cows. In July 2010, a dairy cow sent to slaughter from Byron’s farm tested positive for 5.61 milligrams of ceftiofur residue per kilogram of tissue sample. That was 14 times higher than the 0.4 milligram level set by the FDA.

Byron admits that he has administered ceftiofur at the end of his animals’ lives hoping they’d hang on, so that a slaughterhouse would accept the cows and pay him. “We’re talking about our livelihood, our money. We’re trying to save the cow and if we can’t save the cow, we’re trying to salvage it,” said Byron. “In other words, send her to the stockyard and get something out of it. So there’s a temptation to fudge on it.” One of ceftiofur’s features is a short withdrawal period. In the case of milk, if a cow takes penicillin, the farmer must discard all the milk produced for at least two days and as many as 15 days after the drug is last given. There’s often no withdrawal period for certain ceftiofur products, so a cow can keep producing milk while taking it.

No test for bacteria

The USDA tests animals for traces of antibiotics, to prevent excess levels of drugs such as ceftiofur from entering the food supply. But the residue program doesn’t test for the presence of resistant bacteria. In the case of ceftiofur, those bugs can survive in an animal past the end of the drug’s required withdrawal period, studies show. Zoetis said the FDA has evaluated ceftiofur’s impact on antibiotic resistance in bacteria and has approved drugs containing the compound as recently as last year. Those caught misusing veterinary antibiotics face light consequences. Penalties include condemnation of the animal. Further action is extremely rare, an examination of regulatory and court records shows. The residue testing program has been harshly criticized by

Zoetis says that one of the advantages of ceftiofur is the short withdrawal period federal auditors. A 2010 report by the Government Accountability Office found that the program “is not accomplishing its mission of monitoring the food supply for harmful residues.” One result of

the audit was the implementation two years later of the new residuetesting methodology now used by the USDA and FDA. A longer version of this article is on our website.

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} forecasts

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

A long, dry road ahead

More irrigation needed

December rains eased drought conditions in California, although a third of the state remained in the severe-drought category heading into Christmas. That’s down from 55 per cent from earlier in the month, the Los Angeles Times reported. But California will need three seasons of above-average rainfall to get back to a “manageable situation,” Jay Famiglietti, senior water cycle scientist with NASA, told the paper. The U.S. Drought Monitor said in its mid-December report that 98.4 per cent of the state fell into one of its four categories for drought. — Staff

Irrigation could offset an anticipated 18 per cent drop in world food production by 2050. Globally, irrigation systems should be expanded by more than 25 per cent to cope with changing rainfall patterns, says a study in the journal Environmental Research Letters. But there’s one problem — knowing where to expand irrigation because of different models on where rainfall will change. The study recommends making the majority of irrigation investments after 2030. “If you don’t carefully plan, you will get adaptation wrong,” said one of the study’s authors. — Reuters

The very cool science behind freezing rain Water usually freezes at 0 C, but not always — it is possible for water to be as cold as -40 C and still be in a liquid state

By Daniel Bezte

ormally to kick off the new year, I would write an article summarizing the previous year’s weather. Unfortunately, due to the holidays and early deadlines that article will have to wait until the next issue. While scratching my head and trying to think of something appropriate to write about — it came to me! I’ve been hearing people talk about what’s been happening across the Prairies during the middle of December — namely, there seems to be a fair bit of freezing rain or drizzle happening. It’s not like there’s been a big freezing-rain storm but instead, depending on where you live, you may have seen no freezing rain, some scattered light events, or several light events where just enough freezing rain or drizzle fell to make driving hazardous. While the western parts of Canada usually see much less freezing rain compared to eastern regions, we are not unfamiliar with it. In fact, Alberta often sees more than its fair share due to the unique topography of the province. I’m not going to bore everyone by spouting a bunch of statistics about freezing rain, instead I thought I would look at just how freezing rain forms — I guess it’s the teacher in me. To start off, we need to realize that in our part of the world nearly all forms of precipitation begin as snow. We all know that air normally cools as you go upwards and you often don’t have to go that high to find below-freezing temperatures. So, it only makes sense that the precipitation forming in clouds will be snow. When the air temperature between the region the snow forms in and the ground stays below freezing, then the snow will fall as, well, snow. If the air temperature between the snow-forming region and the ground warms above freezing, then the snow will melt as it falls and turn into rain.

But for freezing rain to develop there needs to be a unique temperature profile of the atmosphere where there is a layer of warm air sandwiched between a layer of cold air at the surface and a layer of cold air higher up in the atmosphere. Before we look at just how this profile occurs we need to investigate something called supercooled water. We all know that water freezes at 0 C. What a lot of people don’t know is that water, under the right conditions, can be cooled well below the freezing point and still not freeze. In fact, it is possible for water to be as cold as -40 C and still be in a liquid state. To think about and understand what is going on we need to remember back to Grade 8 particle theory and changes of state. In liquid form, water particles are moving around fast enough for it to behave

as a liquid. As it cools below freezing, some particles will slow down and stop moving, forming crystals. Fastermoving water particles will then bump into these crystals breaking them up in the process, keeping the water in all liquid form. For water to freeze, it needs to have some kind of template for the water molecules to latch on to. Impurities in the water or air, known as condensation or freezing nuclei, help to allow ice to form. If you have a lot of water in one area, such as in an ice cube tray in your freezer, then there are enough ice crystals to form off these templates for the water to freeze fairly quickly. In the atmosphere, the small cloud droplets or even rain droplets have only a few of these templates to work with and often they are not enough to allow ice to form or the ice forms very, very slowly. These droplets can cool down well

below the freezing point and still remain liquid. Once they touch a surface, the surface acts like a whole bunch of freezing nuclei and the droplet freezes instantly. The best way to picture what is going on in the atmosphere above is by using a diagram. I have included one of a warm air mass trying to move over a cold one. As we know from experience, cold air is dense, while warm air is light. Because of this, warm air tends to have a hard time pushing cold air out of the way. Instead, it rides up over the cold air creating a layer of warm air over a layer of cold air. Looking at the diagram you can see that if the warm air layer is deep enough and reaches the ground then the falling snow will melt and turn into rain. If the warm layer doesn’t reach all the way to the ground, but instead there is a thin layer of cold air at the surface, then

the falling rain or drizzle will become supercooled when it enters the freezing zone and will freeze instantly when it hits a surface, creating freezing rain. If the cold surface layer is thick enough the supercooled droplets end up freezing before making it to the ground creating sleet or what we often call ice pellets. If the air temperatures are cold all the way to the ground, then the snow will simply fall as snow. I wish I had more room, but feel free to look up more information about freezing rain and supercooled water – there are even some cool experiments you can try at home! Daniel Bezte is a teacher by profession with a BA (Hon.) in geography, specializing in climatology, from the U of W. He operates a computerized weather station near Birds Hill Park. Contact him with your questions and comments at daniel@bezte.ca.

} research

T:10.25”

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

Bug forecast maps online The first two insect forecasting maps are online, and the rest are due out in January. The wheat midge survey found none of the pests in the Peace region — a complete reversal of the previous year. Central Alberta has some hot spots, while southern Alberta has low numbers save for some irrigated fields in the Taber/40 Mile area. The wheat stem sawfly survey found the lowest numbers in a decade. Other forecasting maps will focus on cabbage seed pod weevil, pea leaf weevil, bertha army worm and grasshoppers. Go to www.agriculture.alberta.ca and click on the Maps & Multimedia tab. — AARD release

Budget squeeze leads to cancellation of new ag research fund The $200-million Agriculture and Food Innovation Endowment would have generated $9 million annually for made-in-Alberta research By Jennifer Blair af staff

Research proposals won’t be ‘tossed in the garbage,’ but funding will have to wait, says Agriculture Minister Verlyn Olson. Photo supplied “In my experience, a lot of that funding is for projects that are longer term, and they help to drive innovation in our province with regard to what producers are able to accomplish on their farms,” he said. But these sorts of projects aren’t completely off the table, said Olson. “The things that were being contemplated for this program were really excellent initiatives, and we are not as a department tossing those in the garbage,” said Olson, adding that $2.5 million of the $9 million slated for this year has already been put toward doubling up the Agriculture Opportunity Fund, which is used for applied research. “A lot of really good work is being done, and we will keep them on file and continue talking about those types of initiatives. When we get the opportunity, we’ll certainly be back at them.”

The province has said that the projects funded through the scrapped accounts will need to go through the “normal budgeting process.” “The problem with the normal budgeting process is that rural Alberta, and agriculture in general, doesn’t really have a big voice at the table when you’re competing with the likes of health care and education,” said the research official. But Olson said innovative research is a key part of his department’s mandate. “They are things we need to keep as priorities, and we’ll try to work these initiatives into our programs as much as we can with the funding we have,” he said. “I wouldn’t say they’ll be funded in the same way or all done at the same time. I think we’re going to have to be flexible.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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T:15.58”

he provincial government has scrapped a $200-million endowment that was to fund innovative agriculture research. When the Agriculture and Food Innovation Endowment account was announced in March, it was praised by Agriculture Minister Verlyn Olson. “Innovation and diversification in all of our sectors are key to Alberta’s long-term success,” said Olson. “The Agriculture and Food Innovation Endowment will help us get madein-Alberta agriculture solutions to market around the world.” But the fiscal landscape has changed dramatically since then, Olson said in an interview just prior to Christmas. “Given the state of the economy right now, and oil prices in particular, it’s probably no surprise to hear that a number of programs have been put on hold,” said Olson. “We don’t know what their future is.” But the $9 million the endowment would have generated for research funding would have been money well spent, said one official in the ag research community. “I thought it (the creation of the fund) was fantastic news,” he said. “It was all about rural Alberta and improving the rural economy. But the second the oil price drops, that’s the first thing that’s cut.” For Alberta researchers, the funding was long overdue and something that would have been “critical in getting us back in the game and making sure we’re still doing innovative research,” said the research official. (He spoke on

the condition of anonymity because his organization receives provincial funding and he said he was fearful that speaking out publicly could impact future funding requests.) His comments were echoed by Ty Faechner, former executive director of the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta. “For every dollar that’s invested in ag research in Western Canada, you get a $26 return,” said Faechner. “It is disappointing that that funding will not be available for research.” Research funding is one of those “smart, long-term investments” that Premier Jim Prentice has highlighted as being critical to the province’s future, both men said. “Agriculture is becoming a smaller proportion of the GDP in the province,” said the research official. “But rather than (support) the innovation side of things, where agriculture could actually pick up the slack when issues arise in oil prices, instead we cut off the strings that were hoping to improve the overall diversity in the province.” The endowment would have funded research that private companies aren’t interested in and “new ideas that are a little bit out there.” “Sometimes it’s successful, and sometimes it’s not, but it’s also what I consider very good use of public money in making sure that we’re always continually adapting to new opportunities,” he said. “As an industry, we’ve been fighting really hard to recognize the importance of agriculture in Alberta and to support it sufficiently so that we remain competitors globally and so that the farmers can maintain profitability.” Faechner agreed.

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

FIVE TO REMEMBER

PR fumbles and effective lobbying = grainmovement order While the railways were defending their performance, farmers were successfully urging Ottawa to crack the whip staff

Once Ottawa threatened the railways with fines, grain cars started showing up at elevators. PHOTo: Laura Rance T:8.125”

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T:10”

RESISTANCE

he year dawned with CN and CP Rail insisting they were doing an excellent

job moving grain, and weren’t to blame for plugged elevators and empty freighters anchored on the West Coast. It proved to be a spectacularly ineffective bit of PR. Everyone knew moving the all-time-record harvest of 2013 would be a challenge, and a bitterly cold winter added to it. Early in the winter, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz even said the railways were doing an “adequate” job of moving grain. That sort of talk evaporated as the railways loudly blamed the weather, grain companies, and the rest of the supply chain — and to boot, ridiculed calls to add more grain cars. “If you throw more automobiles onto a freeway at rush hour than the freeway is able to handle, what you end up with is congestion,” said a CN spokesman. CP Rail boss Hunter Harrison took another big poke at the hornet’s nest in March by taking out full-page ads in the Globe and Mail and National Post to “set the record straight.” Days later, Ottawa issued an order-in-council, telling both railways to each move 500,000 tonnes weekly or face fines of $100,000 per day. But it wasn’t just entirely selfinflicted wounds by the railways. Farm leaders, with Albertans at the forefront, launched a fierce lobbying effort behind the scenes, appeared before Parliament’s agriculture committee, and even issued a call for farmers to confront their local MPs. Working co-operatively would be best, but given their attitude, “maybe that is the best thing, to penalize the heck out of the railways,” Acme producer Matt Sawyer, then vice-president of the Grain Growers of Canada, said in February.

“There should be a penalty that CN and CP get charged for not bringing (rail cars) on time. If CN promises 500 cars a week to Cargill, it needs to bring 500 cars instead of 400 cars.” KENT ERICKSON

see PR fumbles } page 19

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

FIVE TO REMEMBER

PR fumbles } from page 18 But Sawyer also looked to the future, noting 2013’s harvest record may not stand for long given how western Canadian farmers are pushing up yields. “We produced a bumper crop using the best science and technology available to feed the world, and our transportation system needs to be responsive,” he said. Reforming rail legislation is key to that, said Kent Erickson, chair of the Alberta Wheat Commission. And that means putting in some teeth so Ottawa doesn’t need to pass temporary orders-incouncil, the Irma producer said in August. “There should be a penalty that CN and CP get charged for not bringing (rail cars) on time. If CN promises 500 cars a week to Cargill, it needs to bring 500 cars instead of 400 cars.” But there’s another, less discussed, issue looming in the background.

Big crops causing big headaches By Jennifer Blair

Bruce McFadden has seen the future — and it looks congested. While Ottawa’s grainmovement edicts have captured headlines, the director of research for Quorum Corp., the federal grain monitor, has been looking at numbers. Big ones. Stats Canada initially estimated Western Canada’s 2014 harvest at 57 million tonnes, which when combined with carry-over, meant a whopping 73 million tonnes have to be moved. Then the government agency revised the numbers upward, adding another 3.5 million to this year’s harvest. “That will move up the production to just over 61 million tonnes, which is the secondhighest level of production in our history,” said McFadden. “The pressure is still there in terms of the production, and we have a much higherthan-normal carry-over from the previous year.” If these large crops are the new norm, it will put a big strain on an already tappedout grain-handling system. “With the last two crop years now representing the two highest levels of production that we’ve ever seen, that certainly is a strong indicator that we’re going to see continued increase in the level of production in Western Canada,” said McFadden. “It poses the question: Do we have sufficient capacity to meet the kind of demands that we’re currently facing and the kind of demands that we expect to see in the future, given that our production has continued to climb? “That’s a significant concern — that it’s not just an isolated phenomenon tied to the various scenarios that we faced last year.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

While the order-in-council had its desired effect and resulted in massive grain movement, officials from Quorum Corp., Ottawa’s grain monitor, have been warning the system is pretty much running at max capacity. “This really isn’t just a problem that was faced last year because of the large crop and the cold weather,” Bruce McFadden, Quorum’s director of research, told producers in Lacombe in late November. “When any disruptions take place, there’s just no ability to recapture any of the lost capacity.” — Reporting by Alexis Kienlen and Jennifer Blair

Matt Sawyer photo: supplied

Kent Erickson photo: alexis kienlen

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

FIVE TO REMEMBER

Mother Nature had us guessing ‘what next’ all year long There were hurricane-force winds in January, snow in September, and an unexpected bonus come October staff

Blake Nelson is pictured in front of his Uncle Jay Schultz’s unharvested wheat field near Rosebud in September. File photo

whole bunch of snow. Really wet. Really dry. Wet again. Snow in September. And finally a respite. It wasn’t Mother Nature at her

worst, but she kept everyone on their toes right from the get-go. Bonnyville farmer Taylor Snyder was helping a neighbour unload canola on Jan. 15 when the winds began to howl, gusting to a hurricane-force 130 kilometres an hour. Bins anchored by

cables began rocking back and forth until the cables snapped, with one bin skittering 150 feet across the yard before being stopped by a grain bag. In central Alberta, sheds and barns were collapsing from record snowfalls and some of their owners were hit with a double whammy — learning the buildings weren’t covered by insurance because they don’t meet modern building codes. Even if a building that has collapsed is listed on an insurance policy, a claim may be denied if it isn’t built to current standards, said Gord Cowan, president of Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta. “Each company has different wording (for insurance coverage), and each wording deals with collapse differently,” Cowan said. “We urge all insureds to make sure they’re discussing with their broker the specific coverage that they’re buying.” Spring, of course, came but took its time getting going. Cool temperatures and wet conditions slowed planting in much of the province. Then in mid-June, the skies opened in the south and a disaster was only averted because the precipitation in the mountains came down as snow. “We were significantly saved there,” said Lorne Hickey, a grain producer and reeve of Lethbridge County, which declared a state of emergency when the Oldman River was forecast to peak at a monstrous 4,500 cubic metres per second. It turned out to be 2,100. Still, many farmers were hit hard, including cattle producers Cecilie and Duncan Fleming, who were flooded for a second time in two years when Willow Creek spilled its banks and water rose more than eight feet in their yard.

SEE Mother Nature } page 21

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Hurricane-force winds toppled bins in Bonnyville in January. File photo 14FMC028_Authority AB Farmer Express, Grainews, MB Co-operator Junior Page (8.125” x 10”)

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

FIVE TO REMEMBER

Want a can’t miss weather forecast for 2015? Then don’t look here By Jennifer Blair af staff

f you’re looking for a crystal ball to predict the weather for the coming year, steer clear of whatever brand Environment Canada is using. “In October or November, it does its forecast of what the winter’s going to be like, and for three years in a row now, it has been diametrically 180 degrees opposite of what actually happened,” said Harry Brook, a crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

“It was saying two or three years ago, ‘Oh, she’s going to be a snowier- and colder-thanaverage winter,’ and it was a warmer- and drier-than-average winter. Last year, it was supposed to be warmer and drier, and it was colder and snowier.” Brook doesn’t claim to be a weather forecaster, but a few things have caught his attention. “The last four springs, we’ve had relatively cool, wet conditions. I’m wondering if this is a trend. Or is it an aberration?

“If it is a trend, once again “You hang around Alberta w e ’ r e g o i n g t o h a v e d i f f i - long enough, you start to realize c u l t y g e t t i n g i n t o t h e f i e l d that nobody’s got a bloody clue on time.” what’s happening,” he replied. Rainfall patterns are odd, too. So what can producers do to “I’ve noticed there’s a trend deal with the weather? that we get our moisture early in “Weather being what it is — the season and then by July, the unpredictable — it means protaps turn off and there’s very lit- ducers have to be flexible,” he tle moisture after that,” he said. said. “We tend to go into the fall with “It’s a different game every relatively dry conditions in our year. One year, you could be soil, which doesn’t bode well for droughted out and the next year the spring.” you could be flooded. So does Brook think we’re in “Farming is certainly not for for another cool, wet spring and the faint of heart.” midsummer dry spell? jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com He’s not taking that bait. T:8.125”

Harry Brook

Mother Nature } from page 20

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“They call them the 100-year floods, but they’re coming every eight years,” said Cecilie Fleming. Up in the Peace, the problem was severe drought and the rest of the province threatened to join it as a blazingly hot July dried things out in a hurry. There was plenty of rain at harvest, angering many farmers with its knack of arriving just as they made their first pass in a field. It was a different feeling — a sickening one — when snow hit much of southern Alberta on Sept. 10. Many wondered if they’d ever get their crop off. But then came perhaps the biggest surprise of all. Mother Nature smiled, and gave most farmers a long and warm autumn. — Reporting by Jennifer Blair and Alexis Kienlen

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JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

FIVE TO REMEMBER

A dark cloud with a silver lining for hog producers in 2014 The threat of PEDv hung over the sector all year, but the virus was kept at bay and strong prices helped heal years of hurt

Upping biosecurity will pay dividends for years By Alexis Kienlen af staff

staff

ack in April, Murray Markert spoke for the entire Alberta pork sector when asked to sum up the mood of producers. “Relief” was the Vulcan farmer’s single-word answer. And that’s a good way to sum up the entire year. Despite a close call in October, the sector was poised to end the year the way it began — namely free of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv). But the financial picture — also thanks largely to PEDv — could not be more different. Prices were $163 per slaughter hog at the start of 2014, and rocketed to a breathtaking $284 in April. They remained near that price for several months before settling around $190 by year’s end. That meant producers were earning an unprecedented return of nearly $130 at the peak — a badly needed injection of cash following years of poor prices, soaring feed costs, and negative market forces, particularly Washington’s country-of-origin labelling law and the formerly highflying loonie. “What they need is a really good year or two,” Ron Gietz, pork specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, said in April. “If you can make returns of $100 a head or more, that certainly helps

Photo: Laura Rance cover the ground pretty quickly. They needed this.” However, for an individual farm, all those gains could be wiped out in an instant if PEDv showed up in its herd. It takes just a few days after the virus arrives for infected pigs to start suffering from diarrhea and vomiting so severely that large numbers of younger animals die. And although no cases had been found east of the Manitoba border, distance is no protection. That was amply demonstrated in October, when PEDv was found in the office of a pig-handling facility in Alberta. It got the all-clear after a subsequent round of testing, but producers were given a grim warning — assume the virus is present

at every facility, hog farm, and any truck showing up in your yard. “Producers should be considering all of these sites to be potentially positive at any time,” said Julia Keenliside, veterinary epidemiologist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Even if there are negative surveillance results, because of the nature of pig traffic and truck movement, they could be contaminated again at any moment.” The vigilance helped Canada avoid the devastation south of the border, which has seen nearly 9,000 farms infected since PEDv showed up in early 2013. (In Canada, the number is about 70 — with 90 per cent of cases in Ontario.) It was the U.S. situation that

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Julia Keenliside drove prices so high, but the sad truth is that it was too late for most Alberta hog operations. There are now only about 350 left, compared to 1,200 in 2005. The vast majority of survivors had other sources of income and a faith that things would eventually turn around, said Markert. But it was a hard time even for those who pulled through, he added. “It’s tough to see all those people who had their farms and their dreams wash away,” he said in April. “It’s difficult to see someone lose something that they’ve worked for, for a whole lot of years.” — Reporting by Alexis Kienlen

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The hog industry’s response to PEDv was a huge win for animal health, says a veterinarian who was on the front line of the effort in Alberta. “The pork industry already had the highest biosecurity standards out there, but with this disease, we’ve really put a lot of emphasis on it, and people have responded so favourably,” said Dr. Egan Brockhoff of Prairie Swine Health Services. “With all of the work we’ve done to enhance biosecurity, educate about biosecurity, and audit biosecurity processes, there’s no question that that is going to be the new normal.” The huge investment of time and money to upgrade biosecurity measures will pay dividends for years to come by preventing the spread of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses, and other diseases that will show up in the future, said Brockhoff. And PEDv taught everyone in the industry that they can’t relax even for a moment — something reinforced in October when the virus was found at a provincial pig-handling facility. “This tells me that the virus is coming to the border and coming to the province,” he said. “It hasn’t gotten into a pig yet, but it’s banging on the door.” PEDv also demonstrated the benefits of industry cooperation. While reinfection has been common south of the border, the virus was eradicated in many of the 70 infected herds in Ontario. That’s given the industry a new confidence in its abilities, and a challenge for the years ahead. “Biosecurity isn’t just something that happens once — it’s something that happens every day,” said Brockhoff. “Maintaining that constant vigilance is a little bit exhausting, but you need to find new ways every day to stay motivated and keep focused and keep the disease from coming onto farms.”

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New biosecurity standards created by PEDv is actually a good-news story, says Egan Brockhoff.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

FIVE TO REMEMBER

When cattle (prices) fly The year began with producers wondering if ‘fantastic’ prices could last — they did a lot more than that staff

t the start of the year, the big question in the cattle sector was, ‘Can prices stay this high all year?’ “The market right now is fantastic,” Herb Lock of Farm$ense Marketing said back in February. “Cowcalf producers right now are in their second world, floating around in the sky compared to other years.” Lock predicted “higher prices ahead,” but no one had any idea of how good things were about to get. In January 2013, 700-pound feeder steers were fetching around $135/cwt at the open market in Ponoka, according to the Weekly

Livestock Market Review put out by Alberta Agriculture. At the time Lock was calling the market “fantastic,” buyers in Ponoka had upped their bids by about $40/cwt. Today, that would be a bargain. At the end of November, 700to 800-pound feeder steers were fetching an astonishing $250 to $259/cwt at Ponoka. While all this was great news for long-suffering cow-calf producers, it presents a challenge to the overall sector. The sector needs to grow the cattle herd, now at its smallest level in 20 years, and young producers will be key to that. But they face a dilemma, Alberta Beef Producers chair Greg Bowie said in September.

A longoverdue return to profitability

“When someone thinks about keeping back heifer calves, that’s a long-term investment,” said Bowie. “For an established producer, it’s a little easier to do because they’ve got the equity and they can make it happen. For a young producer to do that, it’s very hard to justify that and keep the cash flow going.” That’s exactly the situation faced by Jake Meyer, who left a lucrative job in the oil industry in 2009 to ranch full time. “We came to the conclusion that it just doesn’t pay to retain them right now,” Meyer said in October. “The chance of prices coming down is better than prices going up. They’re at an all-time ridiculous record high, so the chance of

them coming back down is pretty good.” Over the long term, that’s a sure bet. The question is when. Even though expanding the herd is a slow process, cattle numbers on both sides of the border are expected to start rising fairly soon. And consumers may already have hit the wall when it comes to pricey beef. The USDA recently predicted per capita consumption will fall to 52.2 pounds in 2015 — a hefty drop of 2.4 pounds per person. Still, producers now have confidence they’ll be able to make money raising cattle, said Bowie, calling that “the new normal.” But a note of caution sounded by Lock back in February remains true today. Washington’s country-of-origin labelling law makes it more expensive for U.S. packers to process Canadian cattle. Sky-high prices mask the pain caused by the labelling law discount, but as Lock noted, it hasn’t gone away.

af staff

akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

“In the short term, we’ll get a fair chunk of (higher prices), but the crunch years will come five or six years in the cattle cycle when prices decline,” he said. “When prices decline, our industry will be pushed below the water level two or three years before the Americans.” — Reporting by Alexis Kienlen and Jennifer Blair

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While “nothing stays the same forever,” market analyst Anne Wasko is confident high beef prices will stick around for at least another year. Anne Wasko “The cow-calf sector was long overdue for some profitability,” said Wasko, president of Cattle Trends and a market analyst with Gateway Livestock Exchange in Taber. “We couldn’t sustain an industry, let alone grow it. We were liquidating it because of lack of profits. At the end of the day, profitability is of the highest importance.” Tight cattle supplies on both sides of the border will remain the driving factor in 2015, she said, even though herd liquidation slowed this year and there’s good evidence the U.S. herd will begin to expand in the coming one. But while keeping a close eye on U.S. markets is paramount, cattle producers should watch the international scene. “From a price perspective and a demand perspective, we’re more global today than we have ever been — our price signals will come from far and wide,” said Wasko. She also predicts that 2015 will see a return of something not seen on many ranches for a decade or more — optimism. “I do think that confidence will return,” she said. “We still have lots of other issues: demographics, aging producers, competition for land use. But the bottom line is that cow-calf producers have to be profitable. That’s what’s changed.”

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JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

FIVE TO REMEMBER

Canada picked for ‘sustainable beef pilot’ The country’s largest beef buyer wants to establish its sustainability credentials, and that means big things for the cattle sector staff

t was anything but a conspiracy of silence. After all, McDonald’s announced to the world a year ago that it would start sourcing “verified sustainable beef” from some country on the planet beginning in 2016. But there was no big announcement when it decided Canada would be that country — although the fast-food giant told a fledgling organization, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, that was the plan. It all came into the open when Alberta Farmer revealed the potential game changer for the beef sector in May. The reluctance to announce the pilot was understandable: Would it be viewed in the same light as A&W’s ‘better beef’ campaign, which implied commercially pro-

Photo: Thinkstock duced beef was inferior? Alberta farm leaders — notably Greg Bowie, Bob Lowe, and Doug Sawyer — knew it was the opposite of that and had no hesitation in speaking about the pilot. “A lot of these things (regarding sustainable beef) are going to be things that producers are doing anyhow,” Bowie said in May.

“They’re just going to come up with a means of proving that the producer is doing it.” Bowie, chair of Alberta Beef Producers, vice-chair Lowe, and past chair Sawyer doggedly emphasized that in every interview during the rest of the year: The pilot was not about changing Canadian beef production to make it sustainable, but showing the world that producers here were already doing that, they said time and time again. And that’s exactly why McDonald’s chose Canada. There were three reasons. First and second, in the wake of BSE, Canada created a robust traceability system and also an on-farm food safety program, Verified Beef Production (VBP). Thirdly (and perhaps sadly), the country’s packing industry is dominated by just two players (Cargill and JBS), which service one facility in Spruce Grove that makes all of the burger

patties for McDonald’s Canada, the country’s largest buyer of beef. That makes the logistics of creating a verified system much easier. But there was — and is — one missing link, and it’s the most important part for beef producers. To ‘verify’ that beef is sustainable, you need a robust database. Right from the start, the idea was to piggyback on a carcass-data system, such as BIXS — short for Beef InfoXchange System. BIXS, like the Canadian sustainability roundtable, is a creation of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and was designed to provide cowcalf producers with packer data, with the idea they could improve cattle genetics and management by knowing how their animals graded. McDonald’s and other buyers need that system to seriously up their game — and that was likely a key factor in the CCA’s decision in December to partner with

ViewTrak Technologies “to expand BIXS’ reach.” That means going beyond food safety and including (and certifying) things such as an environmental farm plan, compliance with animal welfare protocols, and audits. And every sector — cow-calf, backgrounder, feedlot, and packer — needs to share its data. That would open a new door: A ‘big data’ system that allows cattle producers to benchmark every aspect of their operation and find new ways to produce ‘better beef’ more efficiently. The McDonald’s pilot is now old news, but its implications for cattle producers is a story yet to be written. — Reporting by Alexis Kienlen, who won a silver medal from the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation in September for her reporting on this story.

Big Data is coming to the cattle business — and that’s a good thing By Alexis Kienlen af staff

he future is about collecting and mining data. And beef producers who don’t get on board run the risk of being left behind, says an industry expert. “Information and data gathering will become increasingly important,” said Thomas Lynch-Staunton, Livestock Gentec’s director of industry relations. Lynch-Staunton is involved with what’s called a “life cycle analysis” — essentially a snapshot of what’s happening now in terms of things such as manure management and the amount of feed and fuel used to produce a pound of beef. In other words, a measure of how well the industry is doing now. “If anyone makes a claim and says, ‘Here, we’re selling 100 per cent sustainable beef,’ then someone will say, ‘Prove it,’” he said. “If you can’t prove it with some data to back it up, then it’s not really worth anything.” But the ultimate goal is to use Big Data to drive improvements — not just sustainability, but also productivity and profitability. “One of the fears of all this information is that it is going to make a lot more work for everybody,” said LynchStaunton. “I think it will initially, but once things are set up and running smoothly, I think it will make things a lot easier.” And that day is not far off, he added. “There are so many things coming together right now.

Thomas Lynch-Staunton There is the actual recording of data, the Internet and its speeds, software programs, and databases like BIXS that are coming online that allow you to gather some carcass information that we really had a hard time gathering before.” Canada’s robust traceability system is the foundation, he said, pointing to the recent E. coli contamination of some Cargill beef (that was quickly determined to involve only one truckload and was swiftly recalled). By adding everything that happens during a cow’s life into that traceability system and using sophisticated software to mine the data, you can not only identify the bestgrading and most profitable cattle but the genetics, feed regimes, and management practices that produced them. That’s Big Data in action, and that’s the future, said Lynch-Staunton. “We’ve got all those tools to be able to do this. I really think that those who don’t believe in data management will be lost in the dust.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

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Albertafarmexpress.ca • January 5, 2015

FOUR TO WATCH

Growing pains — herd rebuild a long-term proposition Cattle herd needs a ‘big move’ in heifer retention to fuel expansion By Jennifer Blair af staff

attle herd expansion was one of the biggest ‘will they or won’t they’ stories in 2014 — and that little plot line will continue to play out in 2015. “Right now, we’re still in the consolidation phase,” said Brenna Grant, research manager at Canfax. “Inventories are going to be stable on Jan. 1, 2015, and we’re going to be looking at modest growth of one to two per cent.” That growth won’t come entirely from heifer retention, as was initially expected. “It’s looking like we’re going to have lower cow slaughter in 2015 to support cow numbers,” she said.

“That’s something that we saw happen in the U.S. in 2014, and it’s something that we’re starting to see in Canada in October and November.” For the last two years, beef cow culling rates have been high — 14 per cent in 2013 and 13 per cent in 2014 — and any additional drops in those numbers will be “modest.” “We’ve actually got quite a ways to go before we see cow slaughter drop in order to get that beef cow culling rate below the long-term average of 11 per cent,” said Grant. “We saw this drop a little bit by one per cent in 2014, and we could see basically another one per cent or two per cent drop. It’s pretty modest in terms of expansion.” Still, the cattle industry will need to see “quite a big move in heifer

retention” before any meaningful expansion will take place. “It takes a longer time to rebuild your herd when you’re retaining cull cows because there are some challenges with retaining those older cows,” she said. “You might get that extra year out of them, but they may also require more labour and be a little bit more work as well.” Cash flow is another factor that’s slowing a bounce-back in cattle numbers. “One of the biggest things about expansion is it very much limits your cash flow as you’re investing in the future,” she said. “Particularly if you’re looking at retirement. Do you really want to be tying up cash flow in an expansion?” Older producers are “rebuilding

equity first and foremost after 10 very difficult years,” said Grant. “They may love this industry and they may be really optimistic, but they’re not adding more cows because that’s not where they are in their life. They may be staying in the industry, but they’re not necessarily looking for that additional work that comes with expansion.” For young producers, increasing by “five or 10 per cent this year just isn’t viable.” “They’re sticking to their longterm plan of getting another piece of land, getting the grass, and getting the cows to go with it — sticking to that long-term, slow growth that they have planned out.” And many producers are still jittery — and oddly enough, sky-high prices are contributing to that.

Brenna Grant “At these much higher prices, the dollars per head on the line are that much greater,” said Grant. “With that, you need to be really confident that you’re going to have that return — not just next year or the year after. “Cows are a long-term investment, and they need to make money over their lifetime.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

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hill out and don’t get too down about the drop in grain and oilseeds prices. That’s the advice of Chuck Penner, owner of Left Field Consulting Services in Winnipeg. First, markets not only swing from lows to highs and back again, but tend to get stuck when they fall into a trough, he said. “When we’re in the lows, it typically takes longer to come out of them,” he said. That’s why Penner isn’t expecting any big shifts in the near term. But the market should start to pick up a little once the global winter wheat crop is in, he said. “Once we get a bit of an idea how that crop has made it or not made it through the winter, that’s when things could start to get a little bit exciting,” he said. Second, even though current prices are disappointing, try to take a longer-term view, he said. “We’ve come through the past few years where we had extended highs. If you look over the last 10 years, current wheat and canola prices aren’t too bad. “Prices are certainly lower than the last two or three years, and I think that’s what most people look at.” His next piece of advice is to keep your marketing hat on when you’re pulling the seeding rig this spring. The markets have been making guesses on acreage numbers on crops such as durum, and things could get interesting if they’re off the mark. “You already see with durum, there are a few crop prices out there for next year’s delivery,” said

Penner. “There are crop prices that are far below what they are paying for durum right now. This is because they expect quite a few more acres to go into the ground, so there will be more supply, which drives down prices.” Flax and lentil acreages are also expected to be up, he added. Huge supplies of soybeans are also a big focus for commodity traders, and most are in a bearish frame of mind, which would be bad news for growers of canola and sunflower. “There’s an expectation that farmers worldwide will plant even more soybeans than they did this past year. That means that we will get even larger supplies yet,” said Penner. But global wheat supply and demand are more finely balanced — and that means bad news in other wheat-growing countries could be good news for western Canadian farmers. “If there are any problems, we’ll see a bigger response in wheat prices, so I’m a little more bullish on wheat than I am on corn, and I’m the most negative towards anything like soybeans and related markets,” he said. akienlen@fbcpublishing.com

Chuck Penner

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

FOUR TO WATCH

Trouble looming if there’s another cool, wet spring Increasing disease levels over the last few years could lead to big-time outbreaks if the environmental conditions are right By Jennifer Blair af staff

his much is known. “We’re not going to have a disease-free year — that’s for sure,” said Michael Harding, a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “The environment will determine how much we see and which pathogens have the ability to cause the most serious issues.” And just what kind of environment — a.k.a. weather — is Harding hoping for? “It would be great for us to have a warm, dry spring,” he said. The opposite has been the case in recent years; conditions that “play into the hand” of root rots, stripe rust, and even ergot, which can start in native grasses and move into cultivated cereals. On the other hand, some diseases — including a new strain of root rots found this past summer in pea fields — are a greater risk during warmer, drier springs. But overall disease issues should be reduced under those conditions. The “big three” to watch out for in canola this year are blackleg, sclerotinia, and clubroot. “In 2014, the surveillance that was done revealed 383 new cases of clubroot, and there were four new counties or municipalities that joined the ‘clubroot club,’” said Harding. “In addition to that, there was a

new clubroot pathotype that was identified in the Edmonton area that has overcome the resistance in all of our available cultivars. That’s been a big concern.” That’s the other known — clubroot is going to continue its grim march across the province. “Clubroot isn’t showing any signs of slowing its movement into new fields. It’s being found in hundreds of new fields every year and in new counties every year, and we’re not seeing the curve level off.” In cereals, fusarium head blight and stripe rust are starting to emerge as “commonly occurring problems” that producers need to be on guard against. “Stripe rust has been a disease that we’ve been watching for and seeing significant levels building for the last few years,” said Harding. “It’s a disease to be on the lookout for and scouting for, especially for producers who aren’t growing resistant cultivars. You need to catch it quick and be ready to intervene with a fungicide.” Fusarium head blight is “really on the rise” in Alberta, he said, and now it’s moving into areas where it hasn’t been commonly seen. “Seed-borne levels of fusarium graminearum have reached record highs over the last couple of years — not just in southern Alberta, but in all cereal production areas across the province,” said Harding. “It’s definitely something for

producers to be on the lookout for and to be ready to manage.” In the past, ergot was a “sporadic issue,” but levels have been steadily increasing. “The last few years, ergot levels haven’t been dropping back down,” he said. “It has become a real serious problem for some cereal producers because of the downgrading issues that accompany it.” Root rots are also becoming more widespread, especially in peas. “The survey that was done in 2014 showed that 88 per cent of 150 pea fields surveyed had some level of root rot in them. And within fields, about 67 per cent of roots had some symptoms on them.” And a new root rot pathogen will continue to be a problem heading into 2015. “The main problem in most pea fields is fusarium, but aphanomyces appears to have found its way to Alberta,” he said, adding that the new strain was confirmed in 17 fields in southern Alberta this past year. For all crop types, conditions in the past several years have been “really conducive” to diseases like root rots, clubroot, and stripe rust, leading to a buildup of spores in the soil. “We’ve had three or four years in a row where a lot of these diseases have been quite prevalent,” said Harding. “The higher the disease levels,

the more abundant the inoculum is the following season to initiate new infections.” This type of ramping up could lead to disease outbreaks — or even epidemics — if the environmental conditions are right. “We certainly don’t need to push any panic buttons, but we do need to be aware that these organisms are out there, and they can take a real serious bite out of the economics of farm operations,” said Harding. “Being aware and being prepared to deal with these things can really help the bottom line.” jennifer.blair@fbcpublishing.com

Michael Harding Photos: Jennifer Blair

Clubroot will continue its grim march across the province in 2015. file photo

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for canola contains the active ingredients difenoconazole, metalaxyl (M and S isomers), fludioxonil, and thiamethoxam. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for soybeans (fungicides only) is a combination of three separate individually registered products, which together contain the active ingredients fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin and metalaxyl. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for soybeans (fungicides and insecticide) is a combination of four separate individually registered products, which together contain the active ingredients fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, metalaxyl and imidacloprid. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn (fungicides only) is a combination of three separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin and ipconazole. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn (fungicides and insecticide) is a combination of four separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, and clothianidin. Acceleron® seed treatment technology for corn with Poncho®/VoTivo™ (fungicides, insecticide and nematicide) is a combination of five separate individually-registered products, which together contain the active ingredients metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, ipconazole, clothianidin and Bacillus firmus strain I-5821. Acceleron®, Acceleron and Design®, DEKALB and Design®, DEKALB®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity®, RIB Complete and Design®, RIB Complete®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Transorb®, Roundup WeatherMAX®, Roundup®, SmartStax and Design®, SmartStax®, Transorb®, VT Double PRO® and VT Triple PRO® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Used under license. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Used under license. Poncho® and Votivo™ are trademarks of Bayer. Used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Legal Ad 905.403.0055 > vic@urbanco.ca

Client: Monsanto Ad#: 4187 Insertion Order # LCA00900 Pub: Alberta Farmer

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

FOUR TO WATCH

Consumer tracking is changing the way people shop — and view food Grocery and restaurant chains know more about their customers than ever before, and are ready to offer them whatever they want

llen Goddard doesn’t have a crystal ball — but grocery and restaurant chains do and that’s going to drive change in the food sector and agriculture. The name of their crystal ball is called Big Data. Companies are watching consumers like never before via sophisticated tracking software and monitoring of social media. “Most grocery stores in the U.K. and the United States are way ahead of us in terms of using data for targeted promotions,” said Goddard, an agricultural economist and professor at the University of Alberta. How far ahead? Well, some American and British companies are sending email promotions to people’s cellphones as they walk into their stores. They also have mechanisms for gauging which products people look at the most. U.K. grocery giant Tesco has even partnered with the British Health Ministry to track people’s regular grocery purchases. “If they thought the foods were unhealthy, they would send messages to that person offering sales on healthier food products, or send social media information to see if they could sway people to buy more in the fruit and vegetable aisle,” said Goddard. According to one survey, consumers in Europe are ready for the onslaught of technological information, and are expecting it to come to them via their portable technology. Technological programs that track physical activity and food purchases will make health information more personal. “People don’t seem very concerned about this type of technology, even on the privacy aspect,” she said. How it shakes out for Canadian farmers remains to be seen, but the mind meld between consumers and the companies

somebody somewhere is going to point out that maybe they should be sending the signal that the technology is acceptable and they’re using it because it’s better for the health of their customers,” she said. “I think this will open the GM debate up much more widely than it has in the past. Up until now, there hasn’t be a debate about health. “The debate is now going to change.” akienlen@fbcpublishing.com SEC-RYLEY14-T_AFE.qxd

Smartphones are a game changer in the food-retailing business, and that is bound to have repercussions for those who produce the food. Photo: Thinkstock

10/15/14

12:55 AM

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Ad Number: SSEC-RYLEY14-T Publication: Alberta Farmer Express 3Col x 133 (6” x 9.5”) Non Bleed

af staff

that sell them food is definitely coming here, said Goddard, who figures Loblaws will be one of the first adopters. And an existing trend — food safety and traceability — will deepen in all food sectors in the coming year, she said. “I really think there is going to be an increasing concern because people are getting more sophisticated about the kind of information they want about food.” Some companies have reacted to customer pressure and have closed their supply chains. Maple Leaf Foods, for example, has a very tight supply chain and knows where all its products come from. Loblaws is also moving in this direction. “I think this will be a big thing in Canada and it will change the business,” said Goddard. Sustainability — with a corresponding increase in monitoring of environmental and production practices — will also grow in importance. “If the global roundtable (on sustainable beef) strategy is to be successful, it will be very successful when they put hard definitions on things for particular countries, and then they are evaluated by third parties,” she said. “We’re going to end up with a system like that for beef production.” And what about the debate about genetically modified food? Is it finally going to get a rest? Nope, said Goddard. She points to a genetically modified potato, recently approved for use in the U.S. but not Canada, that reduces acrylamide when the potatoes are fried, cutting the carcinogenic potential of the food. Two days after the potato was released, McDonald’s announced it would not use them. That quick response to a product with “an explicit and identified health attribute” is a sign the debate on GM foods is moving into new territory, she said. “When a company is making a choice not to use it because it perceives public acceptance is very low for the product,

Produced by: SeCan Product/Campaign Name: SeCan AAC Ryley Date Produced: October 2014

By Alexis Kienlen

“Most grocery stores in the U.K. and the United States are way ahead of us in terms of using data for targeted promotions.”

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JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

Community news and events from across the province

It was another year to celebrate in big-hearted Alberta A

year on and, alas, ice kayaking is no closer to becoming an official Winter Olympic sport. Picture Butte farmer John Kolk’s tongue-in-cheek claim that ice kayaking is a “traditional New Year’s Day activity in remote areas of southern Alberta,” graced the inaugural edition of Heartland. It was one of many memorable moments captured in the section devoted to community news and happenings from across the province. If the pitch to give “frozen water sports” their due brought a smile to your face, Anita Wipf’s labour of love may have made you a bit misty eyed. It took 12,000 cross-stitches and countless hours over nearly two years for the young woman from Viking Colony to make this precious keepsake for her niece Janaya. And there was true joy in its make, said Wipf, noting the cross-stitching became a form of “meditation where I can shut out the world around me.” A reminder of how quickly young people can make their mark was highlighted in May in a story about Screamin Brothers. The company was created five years ago by 10-year-old J.R. Wikkerink, who made a frozen dairyfree dessert on the family farm near Lethbridge and sold it to the local farmers’ market. J.R. wanted to raise money to help earthquake victims in Haiti where his already adopted baby brother Dawson was living in a tent and suffering from cholera. The dessert is now sold in 85 stores in Alberta and B.C., with five per cent of profits going to children’s charities. Even if their quest to win 2014’s Kraft Hockeyville contest had come up short, the people of Sylvan Lake would have been winners. The townsfolk rallied after the roof of the community’s 40-year-old arena collapsed from heavy snow last winter, and their efforts paid off. The grand prize was $100,000 for upgrades for its multiplex, their other arena, and the right to host an NHL pre-season game. But the big win was being able to showcase their community spirit, which was fuelled by “a lot of nostalgia” as current and former residents shared their memories of playing hockey in the old arena. And they got some new memories, too, when the Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes played a preseason game in September.

Mercer mayhem

That same month also saw a big name come to a very small Alberta community — Round Hill. That was when Rick Mercer and his CBC TV production crew showed up to make merry on the farm of Terry and Humphrey Banack. Mercer made “grain angels” with Humphrey Banack’s nephews, and zigzagged wildly through a field of wheat after turning off the auto steer on the combine.

Rick Mercer poses with Terry and Humphrey Banack (centre) and family. Photo: Rick Mercer Report

Sylvan Lake’s multiplex was packed to the rafters as people eagerly waited to learn if the town would be named 2014’s Kraft Hockeyville. Photo: Jennifer Blair

Anita Wipf’s ‘labour of love’.

But for Banack, vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the best part was offering the Newfoundlander a “learning experience” on modern farming. Those who followed the efforts of Airdrie vet Cody Creelman to help a colleague win a portable ultrasound unit also had a few laughs — and learned a little bit about farm life in Ukraine. Creelmen’s friendship with Vadim Pryadko began when he found his YouTube videos — the two vets love making videos about their work and posting them online. Pryadko is a great storyteller and, at Creelmen’s urging, entered a video contest which offered the

That’s why his charity supports multi-use facilities in small communities along with children’s charities. The 16-time Canadian Country Music Award-winning artist has raised nearly $2 million, including a record $503,000 at a golf tourney in Lacombe and gala in Red Deer this summer. Fundraising works a little different in Ponoka, which holds an auction every year to raise money for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Bidding and then giving the animals back for resale is a tradition at the auction. This year, a pair of llamas sold for $250, were

ultrasound as a prize. His slick and very funny video on having to preg check dairy cows the oldfashioned way attracted a horde of online supporters, with Alberta farmers of all stripes casting votes for his entry. Pryadko not only won the contest, but made a lot of friends in this province.

Generous giving

Country star Gord Bamford made us look at community rec centres with a new sense of appreciation. The country music star was just four when he and his mom moved to Lacombe, where he played “lots of sports” and benefited from having a Big Brother.

Photo: Anita Wipf

Picture Butte farmer John Kolk and his ‘ice kayak’. Photo: Laura Kolk immediately donated again, sold a second time for $200, donated again, and sold for $175 before finally finding a new home. In all, 30 donated animals were auctioned off for $51,250. Over the past 13 years, the auction has raised more than $700,000 — with every dollar going to the Foodgrains Bank and being matched by the federal government on a four-to-one basis. Heartland is always looking for more stories about community news and events. Please contact Glenn Cheater at glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com or 780-919-2320 if you have a story you would like to share.

ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

what’s

Everyone was in the Christmas spirit

Send agriculture-related meeting and event announcements to: glenn.cheater@fbcpublishing.com Jan. 13: Alberta Urban Retail Tour, Calgary (also Jan. 15 in Edmonton). Contact: Joan Bates 403-340-7625 Jan. 15-16: Ladies Livestock Lessons, Strathmore Travelodge, Strathmore. Contact: Kelsey 403-948-8519 Jan. 15-17 & 22-24: Holistic Management Course with Don and Bev Campbell, Waterhole Hall, Fairview. Contact: Stacy Pritchard 780-835-6799 Jan. 19: Manure Management Update 2015, Lethbridge Lodge Hotel, Lethbridge. Contact: Ag-Info Centre 1-800-387-6030

Everyone on Burro Alley Ranch, in the Priddis-Millarville area southwest of Calgary, is in the Christmas spirit, even pinto donkey Casera in her elf’s hat and plaid scarf. Photo: Wendy Dudley

Jan. 20: Cow-Calfenomics, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Grande Prairie (also Jan. 21 in Barrhead, and Jan. 22 in Vermilion). Contact: Ag-Info Centre 1-800-387-6030 Jan. 20-21: Agronomy Update 2015, Lethbridge Lodge Hotel, Lethbridge. Contact: Ag-Info Centre 1-800-387-6030 Jan. 22: Tiffin Conference 2015, Lethbridge Lodge, Lethbridge. Contact: Leslie Warren 403-845-5694

Global Perspectives …Local Knowledge.

Jan. 23-24: Canadian Bull Congress, Camrose Regional Exhibition, Camrose. Contact: Jennifer Filip 780-672-3640 Jan. 27: On-Farm Retail Tour: WOW (Workshop on Wheels), bus tour starts and ends in Leduc (stops at Gone Green Farms/ Westerose; Brown Eggs and Lamb/Lacombe; and Billyco Junction Gardens/Lacombe). Contact: Delores Serafin 780-427-4611 Jan. 27-29: FarmTech 2015, EXPO Centre at Northlands; Edmonton. Contact: 1-844-232-3584. Jan. 31: Winter Watering Systems Tour, bus tour starts at Savanna School, Silver Valley. Contact: Stacy 780-772-0277 Feb. 9: Getting into Restaurants workshop, Agri-Food Business Centre, Leduc. Contact: Eileen Kotowich 780-853-8223 Feb. 10: HedgingEdge Commodity Marketing Course, Executive Royal Inn, Nisku. Contact: Rick Taillieu 780-678-6167

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE...

Farmtech 2015 Keynote speakers

edmonton expo CentRe at northlands

Colin Mochrie Improv Master Farmtech 2015 Banquet

Canada’s premier crop production and farm management conference. FarmTech 2015 features an outstanding line-up of speakers delivering more than 65 concurrent sessions covering the latest in technology, environment agronomy and farm business management. The Agricultural Showcase is home to the most innovative companies displaying their products and services along with special events and networking opportunities.

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Gen Y Guy

For complete details and the latest updates:

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Farmtech 2015 proudly Hosted By:

ALBERTA SEED GROWERS’ ASSOCI AT I ON

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Chief Correspondent of CBC News and anchor of The National

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Register before January 9, 2015 for early bird discounts! Advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

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Rob napier Vice President of International Farm Management Association

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

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ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA • JANUARY 5, 2015

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous

BUILDINGS

RON SAUER

STEEL STORAGE CONTAINERS, 20-ft & 40-ft. Wind, water & rodent proof. 1-866-517-8335, (403)540-4164, (403)226-1722 magnate@telus.net

Spraying EquipmEnt

SPRAYING EQUIPMENT Sprayers

(403) 540-7691 ronsauer@shaw.ca

BUSINESS SERVICES Crop Consulting

FARM CHEMICAL SEED COMPLAINTS We also specialize in: Crop Insurance appeals; Chemical drift; Residual herbicide; Custom operator issues; Equipment malfunction; Yield comparisons, Plus Private Investigations of any nature. With our assistance the majority of our clients have received compensation previously denied. Back-Track Investigations investigates, documents your loss and assists in settling your claim. Licensed Agrologist on Staff. For more information Please call 1-866-882-4779

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FARM MACHINERY FARM MACHINERY Machinery Miscellaneous ACREAGE EQUIPMENT: CULTIVATORS, DISCS, Plows, Blades, Post pounders, Haying Equipment, Etc. (780)892-3092, Wabamun, Ab. FOR SALE: D7F CAT PS angle dozer, ripper, bush equipped, A1; MF 2675 dsl cab w/Degelman dozer blade. Phone:(306)238-7501.

846 Ford Versatile Designation 6, 4WD Tractor 1990, newer 18.4 x 38 dualled tires,12 speed manual, 4 hyds., 6036 hrs., looks & runs good .............................. $28,500 555 JD Crawler Loader, 250 hrs. on rebuilt engine, good condition ................................................... $17,500 8070 AC Tractor, FWA, wheel base extended, duals .. $22,500 275 MF Tractor, diesel, multi power, 3 pth, new 18.4 x 30, front weights, loader available, looks and runs great ... $12,500 B275 IHC Tractor & Loader ................................ $3,500 51’ Degelman Landroller, only done 3,000 acres, as new.... .......................................................... $40,000 Degelman Dozer Frame MF 4000 Series 4WD .. $1,000 41’ Flexicoil 300 B Chisel Plow, 3 bar harrows, excellent condition .............................................. $12,500 Flexicoil 6 Run Seed Treater .............................. $1,000 134’ Flexicoil S68XL Sprayer, 2007, suspended boom, auto rate, joystick, rinse tank, triple quick jets, auto boom height, electric end nozzle & foam marker............. $32,500 100’ 65XL Flexicoil Sprayer, complete withwindguards,elec. end nozzles single tips, auto rate,excellent condition ... $12,500 10 Wheel MATR (Italy) Trailer Type V-Hayrake, hyd. fold, as new.................................................. $5,000 7 x 1200 (39.37’) Sakundiak Auger, 18 HP Koehler engine, c/w sweep hyd. drive....................................$2,500 7 x 41’ Farm King Grain Auger, nice condition.......$1750 1390 Brandt XL Swing Auger, elec. power swing, spout, adj. axle, as new ...................................... $22,500 225 Kello-Bilt Tandem Disc, 28” smooth front & rear blades, 10.5” spacing, oil, bath bearings, line new ............ $62,500 50’ Brandt Heavy Harrow, 27.5 x 5/8 tines, low acres ........................................................... $32,500 47’ 820 Flexicoil Chisel Plow, 4 bar harrows, line new ............................................................ $67,500 2009 GMC Topkick 20 ft. Grain Truck, automatic, silage gauge, air brake suspension,approx. 7,000 kms ..$105,000 40’ 5710 Bourgault SS Air Drill, 9.8” spacing, 3” steel packers w/ 3225 tb tank, c/w 3rd tank, new augers, drive sprockets, main clutch, excellent condition...... $25,000 New E-Kay 7”, 8”, 9” Bin Sweeps available.........Call 8” Wheat Heart Transfer Auger, hydraulic drive .. $1,500 New Outback RTK BASE stn ...................................... Call New Outback MAX & STX guidance & mapping ...In Stock New Outback E-Drive, TC’s .................................In Stock New Outback E-Drive X, c/w free E turns ............In Stock New Outback S-Lite guidance ............ **In Stock** $900 New Outback VSI Swather Steering Kit...........In Stock New Outback E-Drive Hyd. kit, JD 40 series ........ $1,000 Used Outback E-Drive Hyd. kits..............................$500

**NuVision (Spray Air) & Meridian-Sakundiak Augers, Outback GPS Systems, EK Auger Movers, Belt Tighteners, Bin Sweeps & Crop Dividers, Kohler, Robin Subaru & Generac Engines, Headsight Harvesting Solutions, Greentronics Sprayer Auto Boom Height, Kello-Bilt Discs**

JD 9400, 9420, 9520, 8970 JD 9860, 9760, 9750, 9650, 9600 JD 9430, 9530, 9630 Case STX 375, 425, 430, 450, 480, 500, 530 CIH 8010-2388, 2188 combine CIH 435Q, 535Q, 450Q, 550Q, 600Q pto avail. JD 4710, 4720, 4730, 4830, 4920, 4930 SP sprayers JD 9770 & 9870 w/CM & duals CIH 3185, 3230, 3330, 4430, 4420 sprayers

WANTED: NH BALE WAGONS & retrievers, any condition. Farm Equipment Finding Service, P.O. Box 1363, Polson, MT 59860. (406)883-2118

1-800-665-1362

TILLAGE & SEEDING Air Drills

HAYING & HARVESTING HAYING & HARVESTING Baling Equipment

• Sprayed foam insulation • Ideal for shops, barns or homes • Healthier, Quieter, More Energy Efficient®

www.penta.ca

GOOD SELECTION OF JD & CASE SP SPRAYERS AND 4WD TRACTORS

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Grain Wanted

BUYING:

HEATED & GREEN CANOLA

Combines

TRACTORS Various

COMBINES Accessories

Big Tractor Parts, Inc.

RECONDITIONED COMBINE HEADERS. RIGID & flex, most makes & sizes; also header transports. Ed Lorenz, (306)344-4811 or Website: www.straightcutheaders.com Paradise Hill, SK.

Geared For The Future

STEIGER TRACTOR SPECIALIST

Stretch your ADVERTISING DOLLAR!

TracTors TRACTORS Various

1991 HESSTON 4655 INLINE square baler, $6,500; 1033 NH square bale PU wagon, $4,000; 1948 wide front Farmall M w/live hyds (2 outlets) & spare parts, $3,200; DEMKIW & YAKIMETZ 30-in. breaking plow rubber tires, hyd life, manufactured in Vegreville, $1,500 OBO. All equip can be delivered to Edmonton. Call (780)841-2984, La Crete, AB.

JD 2130 3 pth with loader JD 4255 FWA, 3 pth hitch, ldr. avail. JD 4255 2 WD, ldr. available JD 4440, loader available JD 6420 FWA, c/w ldr. 3 pth hitch CASE IH 4700 Vibra Shank, 34ft. Clamp on Duals, 20.8x38-18.4x38

WANTED: JD 7810 c/w FEL & 3-PTH; sp or PTO bale wagon; JD or IHC end wheel drills. Small square baler. (403)394-4401

FINANCE, TRADES WELCOME 780-696-3527, BRETON, AB

TILLAGE & SEEDING Air Drills

PRECISION PRICING $30,699

ANNUAL PAYMENT

1-800-587-4711

SEED / FEED / GRAIN

“LIKE MANY BEFORE, WE’LL HAVE YOU SAYING THERE’S NO DEAL LIKE A KEN DEAL” • Phone: (403)526-9644 • Cell: (403)504-4929 • Email: kendeal@shaw.ca

FARM MACHINERY Machinery Wanted

anything you need through the

The Icynene Insulation System®

4955 JD low hrs, 3 pth, very clean S670/680/690 JD Combine low hrs 4730 JD Sprayer, 100 ft. JD 8770, 4WD, 24 speed with PTO Case IH 9170, 4WD 854 Rogator SP Sprayer, complete with JD auto steer, swath pro

1-800-665-1362

Buy and Sell

HEAT & AIR CONDITIONING

MACHINERY LTD.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Network

Spraying EquipmEnt

RED OR GREEN 1. 10-25% savings on new replacement parts for your Steiger drive train. 2. We rebuild axles, transmissions and dropboxes with ONE YEAR WARRANTY. 3. 50% savings on used parts.

1-800-982-1769 www.bigtractorparts.com

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Feed Grain

• Competitive Prices • Prompt Movement • Spring Thrashed “ON FARM PICK UP”

1-877-250-5252

Stretch your advertising dollars! Place an ad in the classifieds. Our friendly staff is waiting for your call. 1-800-665-1362. BUYING HEATED/DAMAGED PEAS, FLAX & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252 BUYING SPRING THRASHED CANOLA & GRAIN “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

BOW VALLEY TRADING LTD.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN Wheat, Barley, Oats, Peas, etc. Green or Heated Canola/Flax

1-877-641-2798

SEED/FEED/GRAIN Feed Grain

BUYING:

FEED OATS

• Mildew • Damaged

• Wild Oats • Offgrade

• Light • Tough

“ON FARM PICK UP” 1-877-250-5252

FARMING IS ENOUGH OF A GAMBLE...

BUYING ALL TYPES OF feed grain. Also have market for light offgrade or heated, picked up on the farm. Eisses Grain Marketing 1-888-882-7803, Lacombe. FEED GRAIN WANTED! ALSO buying; Light, tough, or offgrade grains. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252 Alberta Farmer Express classifieds, 1-800-665-1362.

TRAILERS TRAILERS Trailers Miscellaneous WWW.TRAILERGUY.CA 80 MISC. Semi-trailers check web for pics & prices. (306)222-2413 Aberdeen/Saskatoon, SK.

AG DEALS TO GO!

TRAVEL

AGRICULTURAL TOURS

AB and Western SK, call Larry at (403) 510-7894 www.versatile-ag.com/seeding

Advertise in the Alberta Farmer Express Classifieds, it’s a Sure Thing!

Based on the 40' DH730 air drill and AC400 air cart on a retail lease contract amortized over 60 months at 4.49% APR. Other product configurations available. See dealer for details.

Costa Rica ~ Feb 2015 South Africa/Zambia ~ Feb 2015 India ~ Feb 2015 Greece ~ April 2015 Japan ~ May 2015 Ireland/Scotland ~ June 2015 Scandinavia ~ June 2015 Alaska Land/Cruise ~ July 2015 NWT/Yukon ~ July 2015 *Portion of tours may be Tax Deductible

Select Holidays

WWW.VERSATILE-AG.COM

1-800-665-1362

1-800-661-4326

www.selectholidays.com

JANUARY 5, 2015 • ALBERTAFARMEXPRESS.CA

As third generation farmers, the Jeffries look to us for next-generation advice.

TD is committed to helping farmers build for the future. Dave Jeffries and his sons, Roland and Ernie, know a thing or two about farming. So, when it was time to expand the business, they naturally chose a bank that knew how to help. At TD, they found Agriculture Specialist Vince Puchailo, who helped implement a succession plan that involved Dave’s brother. Vince’s understanding of the complex process even impressed the lawyers handling the sale. A personalized approach to agriculture finance, like Vince’s, is something all TD Agriculture Specialists bring. Maybe it’s time you brought one to your farm.

Visit a branch or tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture ®

The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

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